Obsequious vs. Respectful — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 19, 2024
Obsequious denotes excessive, submissive flattery, while respectful implies showing genuine regard or esteem.
Difference Between Obsequious and Respectful
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Obsequious behavior involves excessive flattery and submissiveness, often perceived as insincere or self-serving. Respectful behavior, on the other hand, involves showing genuine regard and esteem towards others, indicating a sincere acknowledgment of their value.
Obsequious individuals often go to great lengths to please others, potentially compromising their own dignity or opinions. In contrast, respectful individuals maintain their integrity while acknowledging others' worth, suggesting balanced interactions.
Being obsequious can lead to mistrust, as the behavior might be seen as manipulative. Conversely, being respectful fosters trust and mutual respect, as the behavior is perceived as honest and earnest.
Obsequiousness often involves an ulterior motive, aiming to gain favor or advantages through flattery. Respectfulness, however, is rooted in sincerity, aiming to build positive and genuine relationships without hidden agendas.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Excessive flattery and submissiveness
Genuine regard and esteem
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Perception
Often seen as insincere or manipulative
Viewed as honest and sincere
Motivation
Self-serving, to gain favor
Sincere acknowledgment of others' value
Impact on Trust
Can lead to mistrust
Fosters trust
Integrity
May compromise own dignity
Maintains personal integrity
Compare with Definitions
Obsequious
Excessively eager to please or obey.
His obsequious manner annoyed his colleagues.
Respectful
Exhibiting regard for someone’s feelings.
He listened in a respectful silence.
Obsequious
Showing servile complaisance or deference.
The obsequious intern brought coffee to everyone.
Respectful
Conducting oneself with deference.
Her respectful tone diffused the tension.
Obsequious
Overly submissive or fawning.
The obsequious servant bowed repeatedly.
Respectful
Showing politeness or honor.
She was respectful towards her elders.
Obsequious
Seeking to win favor through flattery.
She gave an obsequious compliment to her boss.
Respectful
Demonstrating admiration or esteem.
The students were respectful to their teacher.
Obsequious
Displaying excessive adoration.
His obsequious behavior was off-putting.
Respectful
Acknowledging someone’s rights or position.
The respectful dialogue fostered understanding.
Obsequious
Full of or exhibiting servile compliance; fawning.
Respectful
Showing or marked by proper respect.
Obsequious
Excessively eager and attentive to please or to obey instructions; fawning, subservient, servile.
Respectful
Marked or characterized by respect
It is of great importance that you act in a respectful manner towards the duke and duchess.
They used highly respectful language when conversing with the elders.
Obsequious
(archaic) Obedient; compliant with someone else's orders or wishes.
Respectful
Marked or characterized by respect; as, respectful deportment.
With humble joi and with respectful fear.
Obsequious
(obsolete) Of or pertaining to obsequies, funereal.
Respectful
Full of or exhibiting respect;
Respectful behavior
A respectful glance
Obsequious
Promptly obedient, or submissive, to the will of another; compliant; yielding to the desires of another; devoted.
His servants weeping,Obsequious to his orders, bear him hither.
Respectful
Feeling or manifesting veneration
Obsequious
Servilely or meanly attentive; compliant to excess; cringing; fawning; as, obsequious flatterer, parasite.
There lies ever in "obsequious" at the present the sense of an observance which is overdone, of an unmanly readiness to fall in with the will of another.
Obsequious
Of or pertaining to obsequies; funereal.
Obsequious
Attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
Obsequious
Attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner;
Obsequious shop assistants
Common Curiosities
What does respectful mean?
Respectful means showing genuine regard and consideration for others.
Is being respectful always positive?
Yes, being respectful is typically seen as a positive trait, indicating sincerity and consideration.
Why is obsequious behavior often disliked?
It is often disliked because it appears manipulative and lacks authenticity.
What is an example of respectful behavior?
E.g., Listening attentively and valuing another person’s opinion demonstrates respectful behavior.
How can obsequiousness be avoided?
Obsequiousness can be avoided by maintaining sincerity and integrity in interactions.
What does obsequious mean?
Obsequious means showing excessive willingness to serve or please others.
How does obsequiousness affect relationships?
Obsequiousness can lead to mistrust and resentment in relationships due to its perceived insincerity.
Can someone be both obsequious and respectful?
It’s unlikely, as obsequiousness involves excessive flattery, which undermines the sincerity found in respectful behavior.
Can obsequious behavior be sincere?
Generally, obsequious behavior is perceived as insincere due to its excessive nature.
Does being respectful mean agreeing with everything?
No, being respectful means acknowledging others’ viewpoints, not necessarily agreeing with them.
How can one develop respectful behavior?
By practicing empathy, active listening, and valuing others’ perspectives, one can develop respectful behavior.
What are some synonyms for obsequious?
Subservient, sycophantic, fawning.
Can obsequiousness be beneficial in any way?
Rarely, as it might temporarily win favor, but it’s generally unsustainable due to its insincerity.
What are some synonyms for respectful?
Considerate, courteous, polite.
Is respectful behavior valued in professional settings?
Yes, respectful behavior is highly valued as it fosters positive and productive work environments.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
