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