servile

ser·vile

adj \ˈsər-vəl, -ˌvī(-ə)l\

Definition of SERVILE

1

: of or befitting a slave or a menial position

2

: meanly or cravenly submissive : abject

— 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

Examples of SERVILE

1. <had always maintained a servile attitude around people with money>

Origin of SERVILE

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SERVILE

Synonyms: base, humble, menial, abject, slavish

Related Words: hangdog, lamblike, sheepish; demure, lowly, meek, modest, retiring, unassuming, unpretentious; fawning, sycophant, sycophantic, toadyish

Near Antonyms: arrogant, haughty, high-handed, imperious, lordly, supercilious, superior, uppity

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See Synonym Discussion at subservient

Rhymes with SERVILE

chervil, serval