The `o’ is like the `a’ in `china’ and the following `se’ is pronounced like `see’. The `qui’ is like the `qui’ in `quit’, `quiz’, and `quid’, and the final `ous’ sounds like the `ous’ in `dangerous’, `furious’, and `curious’. The main stress is on the second syllable `se’.
The word has a negative connotation. When you are `obsequious’ to someone, you do whatever he tells you to do in the hope that you will be suitably rewarded for doing all the work. In other words, you suck up to the person.
*I think it’s about time that you stopped being so obsequious to your boss. *The obsequious mechanic walked in wearing a fake smile on his face.
The word comes from the Latin root `sequi’ meaning `to follow’. Other words which are derived from this root are `consequence’ (something which follows), `sequel’, and `non sequitur’.
Source: The Hindu ‘Know Your English’ Series, December 5, 2005
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