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subservient

adjective

/səbˈsəːvɪənt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of subservient

Excessively obedient or submissive to another person or group.
"The assistant was always subservient to the demands of her boss."

Detailed meaning of subservient

It refers to a person who is willing to comply with the wishes or commands of another, without questioning or resisting, often in a way that is demeaning or degrading. A subservient person may lack confidence or assertiveness, and may be easily dominated or controlled by others. The term 'subservient' can also be used to describe a relationship or situation where one party has power and authority over another, and the subordinate party is expected to follow the lead of the dominant party without question. Overall, the term 'subservient' is used to describe a person or situation where there is an unequal distribution of power and authority, and where the subordinate party is expected to comply with the wishes of the dominant party.

Example sentences containing subservient

1. The loyal dog was subservient to its owner's every command.
2. In many traditional societies, women were expected to be subservient to men.
3. The political leader surrounded himself with subservient advisors who never questioned his decisions.
4. The subservient employee never spoke up or offered any suggestions during meetings.
5. The subservient attitude of the servant pleased the demanding aristocrat.
6. The subservient role of the sidekick in the movie was vital to the protagonist's success.

History and etymology of subservient

The adjective 'subservient' finds its roots in the Latin word 'subserviens,' which is derived from 'sub,' meaning 'under,' and 'servire,' meaning 'to serve.' In Latin, 'subserviens' described the state of being under the service or control of another. In English, 'subservient' emerged in the 17th century to describe individuals or entities that are excessively obedient or submissive to another person or group, often to the point of neglecting their own interests or principles. The etymology of 'subservient' underscores its historical association with the concept of serving or being in a subordinate position, emphasizing the idea of unwavering compliance and submissiveness to external authority or influence.

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Further usage examples of subservient

1. The dictator expected his citizens to be subservient and unquestioning.
2. He was expected to be subservient to his boss and carry out her orders without question.
3. She felt uncomfortable with the subservient role she was expected to play in the relationship.
4. He was criticized for his subservient attitude and lack of initiative.
5. She was uncomfortable with the subservient role that was expected of her as a woman in the workplace.
6. He was known for his subservient attitude towards authority and lack of backbone.
7. She felt trapped in a subservient position and yearned for more autonomy and independence.
8. He was criticized for his subservient attitude towards his boss, who took advantage of him.
9. She was expected to be subservient to her husband and take care of the household and children.
10. He was viewed as subservient by his colleagues, who saw him as a pushover.
11. She was frustrated with the subservient role she was expected to play in the company, where her contributions were undervalued.
12. He was criticized for his subservient attitude towards his clients and lack of assertiveness.
13. Her subservient attitude towards her boss made her colleagues uneasy.
14. The subservient student always followed the teacher's every command.
15. He grew tired of being subservient and decided to stand up for himself.
16. In that authoritarian regime, citizens were expected to be subservient.
17. She felt trapped in a subservient role, yearning for independence.
18. The subservient waiter catered to every whim of the demanding customer.
19. His subservient demeanor masked a fierce determination within.
20. The king's court was filled with subservient nobles seeking favor.
21. The subservient employee never questioned his supervisor's decisions.
22. She was tired of being seen as subservient and wanted to be equal.
23. In their relationship, he felt increasingly subservient and controlled.
24. The subservient attitude of the group leader stifled creativity.