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Solicitous vs Obsequious - What's the difference?

solicitous | obsequious |

As adjectives the difference between solicitous and obsequious

is that solicitous is disposed to solicit; eager to obtain something desirable, or to avoid anything evil; concerned; anxious; careful while obsequious is obedient, compliant with someone else's orders or wishes.

solicitous

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Disposed to solicit; eager to obtain something desirable, or to avoid anything evil; concerned; anxious; careful.
  • Solicitous of my reputation. -.
    He was solicitous for his advice. -.
    Enjoy the present, whatsoever it be, and be not solicitous about the future. - .
    The colonel had been intent upon other things, and not enough solicitous to finish the fortifications. -.
  • Anxious or concerned (usually followed by about'', ''for , etc., or a clause): solicitous about a person's health.
  • Derived terms

    * solicitously * solicitousness

    References

    *

    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