Question

Choose the word nearest in meaning to the word given in capital letters: OBSEQUIOUS

• A. bold
• B. argue
• C. fight
• D. submissive

Hint:

An obsequious person behaves like a classic flatterer or ``yes-man''.
Both ``obsequious'' and ``submissive'' describe a passive state of extreme compliance to authority.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to find the synonym of the word ``OBSEQUIOUS''.

Step 2: Key Concepts and Vocabulary Definitions:
The word ``OBSEQUIOUS'' is derived from the Latin root ``obsequi'', which means to comply or follow.
It describes someone who is obedient or attentive to an excessive, servile, or fawning degree.
An obsequious person constantly tries to please influential people by being overly compliant.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Option (A) - bold: This means brave, daring, or confident. This is the opposite of being excessively servile or obsequious.

• Option (B) - argue: This is a verb meaning to exchange expressing opposite views. An obsequious person rarely argues, as they prefer total agreement.

• Option (C) - fight: This is a verb denoting physical or verbal conflict, which contradicts the servile compliance of obsequiousness.

• Option (D) - submissive: This means ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive. This aligns closely with the definition of obsequious.


Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, Option (D) is the correct choice as it is the nearest in meaning.