Servility: meaning, definitions and examples

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servility

[ səˈvɪlɪti ]

^{Context #1}

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

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}

historical context

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

Synonyms

bondage, enslavement, subjection

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.

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 origin

The word 'servility' originates from the Latin word 'servilis,' meaning 'of a slave.' Its usage in English dates back to the mid-16th century. The concept of servility has been prevalent in various societies throughout history, often associated with power dynamics and social hierarchies.