Servants Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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servants
[ˈsəːv(ə)nt ]
Definitions
household
A person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic chores or as a personal attendant.
Synonyms
attendant, domestic worker, household staff.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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servants |
Mostly used in historical contexts or stories about the past, where people were employed primarily for household chores and personal service. The word holds a somewhat formal and old-fashioned connotation.
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domestic worker |
A modern and more formal term used to refer to someone employed to help with household tasks. This term is neutral and widely accepted in contemporary settings.
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attendant |
Commonly used to describe someone who serves or assists in a professional or specific capacity, such as at events, concerts, or in healthcare settings.
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household staff |
Refers to a group of workers employed collectively in a household, often in larger or wealthier homes. It's a general term that covers various roles within the home.
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Examples of usage
- The servants in the household work tirelessly to keep everything in order.
- She treated her servants with kindness and respect.
historical
A person who is bound to service without wages and is subject to the will of their master.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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bondservant |
An older term referring to a person bound to service without wages. Often used in historical or religious contexts.
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slave |
A person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them. This term has strong negative connotations and is associated with historical and modern issues of human rights abuses.
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vassal |
A person or country in a subordinate position to another. Often used in historical contexts, especially in relation to feudal systems.
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Examples of usage
- In the past, servants had little to no rights and were at the mercy of their employers.
- The novel depicted the harsh life of a servant in the 19th century.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'servants'
The word 'servant' dates back to the 13th century and comes from the Old French word 'servant', which is the present participle of 'servir' meaning 'to serve'. Throughout history, servants played a crucial role in households, performing various tasks and duties for their employers. The status and treatment of servants have evolved over time, reflecting changes in societal norms and values.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #3,102, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.
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- 3099 pollution
- 3100 attendance
- 3101 everywhere
- 3102 servants
- 3103 guess
- 3104 attacks
- 3105 exhibit
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