Servility: meaning, definitions and examples

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servility

[səˈvɪlɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in behavior

The quality of being excessively submissive or obedient, often to an obsequious degree, showing a lack of self-respect and dignity.

Synonyms

deference, obsequiousness, subservience.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
servility	Often used to describe an excessive willingness to serve or please others, typically implying a lack of self-respect or dignity. His servility made him an easy target for manipulation. She was accused of servility in the workplace, always bending over backward to please her boss.
subservience	Describes a willingness to obey others unquestioningly, often suggesting a lower or dependent status, and can carry a negative connotation. Her subservience in the relationship made her lose her own identity. The manager’s subservience to the company's demands was noticeable.
obsequiousness	Implies excessive eagerness to serve or please to the point of being insincere or sycophantic, often carrying a negative connotation. His obsequiousness towards his superiors was both obvious and off-putting. She grew tired of his constant obsequiousness, feeling it was just a facade.
deference	Appropriate in situations where someone shows polite respect and submission to the wishes or judgement of another, often out of respect for their higher status or experience. He showed deference to the elderly by giving them his seat. Out of deference to her experience, they considered her opinion carefully.

Examples of usage

He hated the servility of the waitstaff at the restaurant.
She couldn't stand the servility of her coworkers who constantly sought approval from their boss.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical context

The state or condition of being a slave or subjected to servitude.

Synonyms

bondage, enslavement, subjection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
servility	Use this word when describing a person's excessive willingness to serve or please others, often at the expense of their own dignity. It can imply a lack of self-respect. He showed servility in his eagerness to carry out every single order without question. Her servility made her colleagues uncomfortable, as she never stood up for herself.
bondage	This term is often used to describe a state of being physically restrained or in a condition similar to slavery. It also refers to a lack of freedom or being bound by an obligation. He spent years in bondage before managing to escape. The workers felt like they were in bondage due to the unfair labor practices.
subjection	Use this word when discussing the act of bringing someone under control or domination, often by force. It can also refer to being under the authority or control of someone else. The military campaign led to the subjection of the conquered territory. The new policy resulted in the subjection of many workers to harsh working conditions.
enslavement	This word is best used when referring to the act of making someone a slave or the state of being a slave. It carries a very negative connotation and implies severe oppression. The movie depicted the brutal enslavement of indigenous people by colonizers. Her fear of emotional enslavement kept her from committing to any relationship.

Examples of usage

The servility of the peasants towards their feudal lord was enforced by law.
The servility of the conquered people under the rule of the empire was evident in their daily lives.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin word 'servilis', which means 'of a servant'.
It has roots in 'servus', meaning 'slave', highlighting a relationship of extreme submission.
The term first appeared in English during the late 15th century, adding a layer of social critique to its meaning.

Psychology

Often linked to low self-esteem, individuals displaying this behavior may sacrifice their own happiness to please others.
People who exhibit such behavior might believe that their worth is determined by how much they can serve others.
This tendency can lead to unhealthy relationships, where one party feels taken advantage of.

Political Science

Historically, servility has been associated with authoritarian regimes, where individuals suppress their own voices to conform to authority.
In discussions about democracy, promoting assertiveness is seen as vital to counteracting servile tendencies in societies.
People who exhibit servility often support leaders who dictate rather than listen to the populace.

Literature

In many classic novels, characters exhibiting servility often contrast with rebellious heroes, highlighting themes of freedom versus oppression.
Shakespeare’s works frequently explore the dynamics of power, with servant characters displaying varying degrees of servility.
Dystopian literature often critiques servility, portraying how it can lead to a loss of individuality and moral integrity.

Sociology

Cultural norms can pressure individuals into servility, especially in hierarchical societies where obedience is valued over autonomy.
Gender dynamics sometimes play a role, as traditional roles may expect women to be more accommodating and subservient.
The prevalence of servility can indicate social inequalities, where less powerful groups feel they must please those in authority to survive.

Translations

Translations of the word "servility" in other languages:

🇵🇹 servilidade

🇮🇳 चापलूसी

🇩🇪 Unterwürfigkeit

🇮🇩 kerendahan hati

🇺🇦 покірність

🇵🇱 służalczość

🇯🇵 卑屈

🇫🇷 servilité

🇪🇸 servilismo

🇹🇷 itaatkarlık

🇰🇷 비굴함

🇸🇦 التذلل

🇨🇿 servilita

🇸🇰 servilita

🇨🇳 卑躬屈膝

🇸🇮 servilnost

🇮🇸 þrælkun

🇰🇿 құлдық

🇬🇪 მორჩილება

🇦🇿 itaətkarlıq

🇲🇽 servilismo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,440, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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25437 caching
25438 scalloped
25439 ciphers
25440 servility
25441 upstanding
25442 slayer
25443 dandelion
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