In the following question, choose the word that best expresses the meaning of the adjective "obsequious" from the given alternatives.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of higher level vocabulary, specifically the adjective "obsequious". Such words frequently appear in editorials, literature, and critical essays to describe attitudes and behaviour. Understanding them allows you to grasp subtle character descriptions and social criticism. You must select the option that is closest in meaning to "obsequious". Knowing both meaning and connotation is important, because the word carries a negative nuance related to excessive flattery.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Target word: OBSEQUIOUS (written in capitals for emphasis).
Options: DEFIANT, DISHONEST, SERVILE, HONEST.
We assume standard dictionary meanings in modern English.
"Obsequious" is used to describe a person who flatters or obeys in an overly eager way to gain favour.
Only one option expresses this sense of subservience and excessive eagerness to please.

Concept / Approach:
"Obsequious" refers to behaviour that is excessively willing to serve or obey someone, often with insincere flattery. An obsequious person bows and agrees too much, not out of genuine respect but to gain approval or advantage. A close synonym is "servile". The other options refer to unrelated qualities: "defiant" describes resistance, "dishonest" refers to lack of truthfulness, and "honest" is positive sincerity. To solve the question, recall the central idea of obsequious behaviour and match it to the closest descriptive word.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "obsequious" as excessively eager to obey or please someone, usually in a flattering way. Step 2: Examine option A, "DEFIANT". This means refusing to obey or showing resistance, which is the opposite of eager obedience. Step 3: Examine option B, "DISHONEST". While an obsequious person may sometimes be insincere, the main focus of the word is not on truthfulness but on submissive behaviour. Step 4: Examine option C, "SERVILE". This word describes someone who behaves like a servant, excessively submissive, and too ready to please or obey, which matches the sense of "obsequious". Step 5: Examine option D, "HONEST". This is a positive quality focusing on truthfulness, unrelated to following orders or flattering others. Step 6: Conclude that "SERVILE" is the best synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a sentence such as "The manager disliked employees who were obsequious and always praised him". Replacing "obsequious" with "servile" keeps the meaning: "The manager disliked employees who were servile and always praised him". However, replacing it with "defiant", "dishonest", or "honest" would completely change the sense. Dictionaries also list "fawning", "subservient", and "servile" as key synonyms of "obsequious", confirming that option C is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, DEFIANT, is wrong because it indicates resistant or rebellious behaviour, the opposite of submissiveness.
Option B, DISHONEST, is wrong because it focuses on lying or cheating rather than posture toward authority or superiors.
Option D, HONEST, is wrong because it describes moral truthfulness, not a style of exaggerated obedience.

Common Pitfalls:
A typical error is to associate "obsequious" with dishonesty because the behaviour often includes insincere flattery. However, the core idea is exaggerated servility, not simply lying. Another trap is confusing long or formal sounding words like "defiant" and "servile" without recalling their precise meanings. The best way to avoid these mistakes is to learn new words with sample sentences and to group them with clear synonyms and antonyms during revision, for example, "obsequious and servile" versus "independent and defiant".

Final Answer:
SERVILE