All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Directions : Select the most appropriate meaning of the given words from the options provided and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Obsequious :

This question was previously asked in
CDS 1 2026 Maths Question Paper (12-Apr-2026)
The correct answer is
Overly eager to help or obey someone important

Obsequious Meaning Explained

The word Obsequious describes someone who is excessively eager to please or obey, particularly someone perceived as important or influential. It implies a level of attentiveness that borders on servility, often using flattery.

Analyzing the Options

Option B: Correct Meaning

This option, 'Overly eager to help or obey someone important', perfectly captures the essence of obsequious behaviour. It highlights the excessive eagerness and focus on obeying or helping someone of higher status.

Why Other Options are Incorrect

  • Option 1 describes someone arrogant or boastful (e.g., egocentric).
  • Option 3 describes someone who is overly emotional or dramatic (e.g., histrionic).
  • Option 4 describes someone highly respected or important, not necessarily someone acting in an obsequious manner.

Conclusion

Based on the definition, acting in an obsequious way means being overly eager to help or obey someone important.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. In the following items Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
     

    List I (Word/Expression/Specialised term)List II (Meaning)
    A. Incensed1. Designed to cause fires
    B. Incendiary2. Unmindful of potential risks
    C. Incautious3. Giving out light when heated
    D. Incandescent4. Enraged

    Code :
    A B C D

  2. In the following items Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
     

    List I (Word/Expression/Specialised term)List II (Meaning)
    A. Bequeath1. To pledge property as a security
    B. Mortgage2. To leave property for beneficiary via a will
    C. Endowment3. Agreement for use of property against rent
    D. Lease4. To grant funds for running a socially-beneficial institution

    Code :
    A B C D

  3. In the following items Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :

    List I (Word/Expression/Specialised term)List II (Meaning)
    A. Ascribe1. Associate ownership or authorship with
    B. Prescribe2. Carve, cut or etch into a material or surface
    C. Proscribe3. Lay down a rule
    D. Inscribe4. Officially forbid

    Code :
    A B C D

  4. In the following items Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
     

    List I (Word/Expression/Specialised term)List II (Meaning)
    A. Implication1. The act of communicating with / praying to a deity
    B. Complication2. A verbal or written request for an official purpose
    C. Supplication3. A meaning not clearly stated but which can be inferred
    D. Application4. A situation or condition that is complex or confused

    Code :
    A B C D

  5. In the following items Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
     

    List I (Word/Expression/Specialised term)List II (Meaning)
    A. Blizzard1. Tropical cyclones over the western Pacific Ocean
    B. Tornado2. A storm with thunder and lightning, and usually heavy rain
    C. Thunderstorm3. Severe snowstorm with strong winds
    D. Typhoons4. A violently rotating destructive column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground

    Code :
    A B C D

  6. In the following items Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
     

    List I (Word/Expression/Specialised term)List II (Meaning)
    A. Pragmatist1. Using too many words
    B. Promethean2. Daringly original and creative
    C. Promontory3. A headland that juts into a large water body
    D. Prolix4. A person concerned with practical matters

    Code :
    A B C D

  7. In the following items Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
     

    List I (Word/Expression/Specialised term)List II (Meaning)
    A. Epitaph1. Words written about a dead person
    B. Epistle2. An adjective to describe character or characteristic
    C. Epithet3. A short phrase expressing an idea in a clever way
    D. Epigram4. A formal letter

    Code :
    A B C D

  8. In the following items Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
     

    List I (Word/Expression/Specialised term)List II (Meaning)
    A. Fortuitous1. Exhibiting exceptional bravery
    B. Fortitudinous2. Daunting
    C. Formidable3. Sad and solitary
    D. Forlorn4. Happening by chance

    Code :
    A B C D

  9. In the following items Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
     

    List I (Word/Expression/Specialised term)List II (Meaning)
    A. Tautological1. Related to knowledge
    B. Ontological2. Repetitious
    C. Epistemological3. Related to diseases
    D. Epidemiological4. Related to existence

    Code :
    A B C D

  10. In the following items Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
     

    List I (Word/Expression/Specialised term)List II (Meaning)
    A. Nihilism1. The belief that pleasure is the most important thing in life
    B. Fatalism2. The fact of accepting that you cannot prevent something from happening
    C. Hedonism3. The fact of thinking that you are better or more important than anyone else
    D. Egoism4. The denial of all reality

    Code :
    A B C D


Important Questions from Vocabulary

  1. Elicit and Illicit

  2. Ensure and Insure

  3. Imitated and Intimated

  4. Compare and Compeer

  5. Precept and Percept

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
540 Tests 4 Tests Free
1121 Attempts
4.3(168)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App