Benevolent vs Obsequious - What's the difference?
benevolent | obsequious |
As adjectives the difference between benevolent and obsequious is that benevolent is having a disposition to do good while obsequious is (archaic) obedient, compliant with someone else's orders or wishes.
benevolent English
Adjective
( en adjective)
Having a disposition to do good.
- Chinese and Eastern mythologies describe dragons as benevolent .
Possessing or manifesting love for mankind.
altruistic, charitable, good, just and fair.
generous.
Antonyms
* malevolent
See also
* benevolence
* benevolently
* benevolentness
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obsequious English
Adjective
( en adjective)
(archaic) Obedient, compliant with someone else's orders or wishes.
Excessively eager and attentive to please or to obey all instructions; fawning, subservient, servile.
* 1927 , (Thornton Wilder), (The Bridge of San Luis Rey) , p. 20
- Translation falls especially short of this conceit which carries the whole flamboyance of the Spanish language. It was intended as an obsequious flattery of the Condesa, and was untrue.
(obsolete) Of or pertaining to obsequies, funereal.
*
- … the survivor bound
In filial obligation for some term
To do obsequious sorrow…
*
- Whilst I awhile obsequiously lament
Th’ untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster.
Usage notes
* In modern usage, not to be confused with obsequies as the “funereal” sense has become obsolete.
Synonyms
* (fawning or subservient) fawning, ingratiating, servile, slavish, sycophantic, truckling, people pleaser, kiss-ass
Related terms
* obsequiously
* obsequiousness
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