The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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servility

noun

/ˌsɜrˈvɪl ɪ ti/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of servility

A submissive or overly obedient behavior that demonstrates a lack of independence, dignity, or self-respect.
"The employee's servility hindered their ability to voice concerns or offer suggestions."

Detailed meaning of servility

It implies an excessive willingness to please or comply with the demands or wishes of others, often at the expense of one's own principles or well-being. Servility involves a mindset characterized by subordination, deference, and an eagerness to serve or submit to authority figures or those in positions of power. It can manifest as excessive flattery, fawning, or obsequiousness, where individuals display a subservient attitude in hopes of gaining favor or avoiding conflict. Servility may arise from a fear of reprisal, a desire for acceptance, or a perceived need to conform to societal expectations. However, it can be detrimental to personal growth, stifling one's autonomy and inhibiting the expression of individuality. While respect and cooperation are important, servility goes beyond these attributes and reflects a diminished sense of self-worth and an excessive inclination to subordinate oneself to others.

Example sentences containing servility

1. The tyrant expected unwavering servility from his subjects.
2. Her persistent servility toward her boss raised eyebrows among her colleagues.
3. The dictator's regime thrived on a culture of fear and servility.
4. The supervisor abused his authority, demanding servility from his subordinates.
5. In a healthy workplace, collaboration and respect should prevail over servility.
6. The politician's servility toward wealthy donors compromised their integrity.

History and etymology of servility

The noun 'servility' derives its etymology from the Latin word 'servilis,' which means 'of a slave' or 'slave-like.' This Latin term, in turn, originates from 'servus,' meaning 'slave.' In ancient Rome, slaves were often seen as subservient and without independence, and the concept of servility was associated with their submissive and obedient behavior. Over time, as the word made its way into English, 'servility' came to describe a demeaning and excessive willingness to obey or please others, often at the expense of one's own dignity or self-respect. It denotes a behavior marked by an undue deference or submissiveness, emphasizing the negative connotations of excessive servitude or servitude that goes beyond what is considered appropriate or healthy.

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Further usage examples of servility

1. The professor encouraged critical thinking rather than fostering a culture of servility in the classroom.
2. The subservient behavior of the courtiers demonstrated their ingrained servility.
3. The character's servility in the novel highlighted the oppressive social structure.
4. The cult leader manipulated his followers through psychological tactics, exploiting their servility.
5. The servant's unwavering servility to the royal family earned them favor but sacrificed their personal freedom.
6. The organization's strict hierarchy perpetuated a culture of servility and stifled creativity.
7. The historical period was characterized by widespread servility, as societal norms emphasized obedience to authority.
8. The individual's journey toward self-empowerment involved shedding the chains of servility and embracing personal agency.
9. His servility in front of the boss was quite embarrassing.
10. She refused to tolerate any form of servility in her team.
11. The servility of the employees was a result of a toxic work environment.
12. His constant servility made him seem like a pushover.
13. The king demanded complete servility from his subjects.
14. The servility of the character made him unlikable in the story.
15. She despised the servility that came with her wealth.
16. The leader valued competence over blind servility.
17. The culture of servility stifled creativity in the organization.
18. He mistook her kindness for servility and underestimated her.
19. The politician's servility to special interests was widely criticized.
20. Servility should never be mistaken for genuine respect.
21. The servility of the sycophants was evident in their actions.
22. His servility prevented him from standing up for himself.
23. The servility of the courtiers irked the wise old king.
24. She saw through his pretentious servility and dismissed him.
25. The servility expected of the lower class was oppressive.
26. His servility was a mask for his hidden ambition.
27. The culture encouraged servility, stifling individuality.
28. He longed for freedom from the chains of servility.