Select the most appropriate synonym to replace the italicised word. The little girl had obsequious manners.
law-abiding
Understanding the Word 'Obsequious'
The question asks us to find the most appropriate synonym for the word "obsequious" from the given options. First, let's understand the meaning of "obsequious".
The word obsequious describes someone who is excessively obedient or attentive to an excessive degree, trying too hard to please someone important. This often involves being servile or fawning.
In the sentence provided, "The little girl had obsequious manners," it suggests the girl behaved in a way that showed an excessive eagerness to please or obey, possibly appearing overly submissive.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine each option to see which one best fits the meaning of "obsequious":
- mischievous: This word describes someone who is playfully annoying or troublesome. It suggests a tendency to cause minor trouble or make jokes, often in a way that is naughty but not seriously harmful. This is the opposite of being eager to please or obey.
- defiant: This word describes someone who is openly resisting or refusing to obey authority or orders. This is an antonym, meaning the opposite, of "obsequious".
- headstrong: This word describes someone who is self-willed and obstinate, refusing to change their mind or behavior despite attempts to persuade them. This suggests being unyielding and potentially disobedient, which is contrary to the meaning of "obsequious".
- law-abiding: This word describes someone who obeys the law. It implies adherence to rules and authority. While "obsequious" often relates to pleasing people or authority figures through subservience, "law-abiding" directly implies obeying rules or laws set by authority. Among the given options, this is the only one that includes the concept of obedience or adherence to rules, which is a core element related to the behavior described by "obsequious," even if the context (law vs. pleasing people) and connotation (often negative for obsequious, positive for law-abiding) differ.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Synonym
Comparing the options to the definition of "obsequious," we see that "mischievous," "defiant," and "headstrong" all describe behavior that is contrary to being obedient or eager to please. "Defiant" and "headstrong" specifically describe disobedience or resistance to authority, which is the opposite of "obsequious." "Mischievous" is unrelated to obedience or pleasing.
The option "law-abiding" implies obeying rules and authority. While "obsequious" focuses on the *manner* of excessively trying to please or obey, and often carries a negative connotation of being servile, "law-abiding" is the only option that captures any sense of obedience or adherence to external standards or authority, making it the most appropriate choice among the provided alternatives.
| Word | Meaning | Relation to 'Obsequious' |
|---|---|---|
| Obsequious | Excessively eager to please or obey; servile. | Target word. |
| Mischievous | Playfully troublesome. | Unrelated. |
| Defiant | Openly disobedient. | Antonym. |
| Headstrong | Willful, obstinate. | Antonym/Unrelated to pleasing. |
| Law-abiding | Obeys the law. | Implies obedience/adherence to rules (most appropriate among options). |
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the options, "law-abiding" is the most appropriate synonym provided, as it is the only word that implies obedience or adherence to rules, contrasting sharply with the other options that suggest disobedience or unrelated behavior.
Revision Table: Understanding Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Obsequious | Excessively eager to please or obey; servile. | He was surrounded by obsequious assistants who hung on his every word. |
| Mischievous | Playfully troublesome. | The mischievous kitten tangled the yarn all over the room. |
| Defiant | Openly resistant. | The defiant child refused to go to bed when asked. |
| Headstrong | Willful, obstinate. | Her headstrong nature made her difficult to persuade. |
| Law-abiding | Obeying the law. | A law-abiding citizen always respects traffic rules. |
Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary
Learning synonyms and antonyms is a great way to expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of language. When encountering a new word like "obsequious," try to:
- Look up its definition in a dictionary.
- Read example sentences to see how it is used in context.
- Identify its synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings).
- Practice using the word in your own sentences.
Common synonyms for obsequious include: servile, fawning, subservient, sycophantic, ingratiating. Common antonyms include: defiant, assertive, independent, rebellious.
Understanding these related words helps you grasp the nuances of meaning and choose the most precise word for different situations.
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