obsequious

Where does the word "obsequious" come from? It comes from Latin sequi, passing through Latin before entering English (1400s).

Obsequious’s story begins in Latin: sequi meant “to follow.” To follow, combined with ob- (toward, after). Within Latin, it grew into obsequi by ancient. To comply with, to follow after, from ob- and sequi. By ancient, Latin speakers had reshaped it into obsequiosus. Compliant, eager to please, from obsequi. It reached English by 1400s as obsequious. Settled as the English word for being excessively eager to please or obey. Today, obsequious means excessively eager to please or obey someone, in an insincere way.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient sequi "to follow", to follow, combined with ob- (toward, after).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient obsequi "to comply with, to follow after", to comply with, to follow after, from ob- and sequi.
3. Stage 3 · Latin · ancient obsequiosus "compliant, eager to please", compliant, eager to please, from obsequi.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1400s obsequious "excessively eager to please or obey", settled as the English word for being excessively eager to please or obey.