Main Entry:

ser·vile

Pronunciation:

\ˈsər-vəl, -ˌvī(-ə)l\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French servil, from Latin servilis, from servus slave

Date:

15th century

1 : of or befitting a slave or a menial position 2 : meanly or cravenly submissive : abject

synonyms see subservient

— ser·vile·ly \-və(l)-lē, -ˌvī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb

— ser·vile·ness \-vəl-nəs, -ˌvī(-ə)l-\ noun

— ser·vil·i·ty \(ˌ)sər-ˈvi-lə-tē\ noun