Servile Meaning in English
word
ˈsɝvəɫ
SUR-vul
sˈɜːvaɪl
SUR-vyle
Definition
Showing a strong willingness to serve or obey someone else, often in a way that shows too much respect or is overly submissive.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and often negative; "servile" is used to criticize someone's overly eager obedience, especially when it seems degrading. Common near "attitude," "behavior," or "position." Not a synonym for "helpful." May describe old social roles or exaggerated manners.
Spanish: servilPortuguese (BR): servilPortuguese (PT): servilChinese (Simplified): 奴性的 - 奉承的 (过分顺从) Chinese (Traditional): 奴性的 - 奉承的 (過分順從)Hindi: चापलूस - दासत्वपूर्णArabic: متذلل - خاضعBengali: বাঁধাধরা - দাসসুলভRussian: раболепный - униженныйJapanese: 奴隷的な - へつらうVietnamese: nô lệ - khúm númKorean: 비굴한 - 굽실거리는Turkish: aşağılayıcı - köleceUrdu: غلامانہ - حد سے زیادہ فرمانبردارIndonesian: penurut secara berlebihan - bersifat budak
Example Sentences
He has a servile attitude toward his boss.
basic
The servile servants did whatever they were told.
basic
She spoke in a servile tone to her teacher.
basic
Don’t be so servile—just say what you really think.
natural
His servile behavior made everyone uncomfortable at the meeting.
natural
People respected him more when he stopped acting so servile.
natural