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Supple vs Obsequious - What's the difference?

supple | obsequious | Related terms |

Supple is a related term of obsequious.


As adjectives the difference between supple and obsequious

is that supple is pliant, flexible, easy to bend while obsequious is (archaic) obedient, compliant with someone else's orders or wishes.

As a verb supple

is to make or become supple.

supple

English

Adjective

(er)
  • pliant, flexible, easy to bend
  • lithe and agile when moving and bending
  • supple''' joints; '''supple fingers
  • compliant; yielding to the will of others
  • a supple horse
  • * John Locke
  • If punishment makes not the will supple , it hardens the offender.

    Verb

  • To make or become supple.
  • * Dryden
  • The stones suppled into softness as they fell.
  • * Spenser
  • The flesh therewith she suppled and did steep.
  • To make compliant, submissive, or obedient.
  • * John Locke
  • a mother persisting till she had bent her daughter's mind and suppled her will
  • * Barrow
  • They should supple our stiff willfulness.

    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