First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
servile
adjective ser·vile \ˈsər-vəl, -ˌvī(-ə)l\
: very obedient and trying too hard to please someone
Full 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
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Origin of SERVILE
Middle English, from Anglo-French servil, from Latin servilis, from servus slave
Synonym Discussion of SERVILE
subservient, servile, slavish, obsequious mean showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience. subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position <domestic help was expected to be properly subservient>. servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave <a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on>. slavish suggests abject or debased servility <the slavish status of migrant farm workers>. obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner <waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities>.
SERVILE Defined for Kids
servile
adjective ser·vile \ˈsər-vəl\
Definition of SERVILE for Kids
1
: of or suitable to a slave <servile work>
2
: very obedient and trying too hard to please
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