Definitions
- Describing a person who blindly follows orders or rules without question. - Referring to an action or behavior that is excessively obedient or submissive. - Talking about a situation where someone is completely controlled by another person or entity.
- Describing a person who is excessively eager to please or flatter someone in authority. - Referring to an action or behavior that is overly deferential or subservient. - Talking about a situation where someone is willing to do anything to gain favor or approval from someone in power.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe behavior that is excessively obedient or submissive.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people who are willing to do anything to please someone in authority.
- 3Both words have negative connotations and imply a lack of independence or self-respect.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Slavish implies a more extreme level of obedience or subservience than obsequious.
- 2Connotation: Slavish has a more negative connotation than obsequious, which can sometimes be used in a more neutral or even positive way.
- 3Usage: Slavish is less commonly used than obsequious and may be considered archaic or old-fashioned in some contexts.
- 4Focus: Slavish emphasizes blind obedience or adherence to rules, while obsequious emphasizes eagerness to please or gain favor.
Remember this!
Slavish and obsequious are synonyms that describe behavior that is excessively obedient or submissive. However, slavish implies a complete lack of freedom or autonomy, while obsequious emphasizes eagerness to please or gain favor. Slavish has a more negative connotation and is less commonly used than obsequious.
