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Slavish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slavish

[หˆsleษชvษชสƒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Showing no originality; blindly imitative.

Synonyms

copycat, imitative, unoriginal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slavish

Used to describe someone who imitates others without any original thought or effort. Often has a negative connotation, implying blind or excessive imitation.

  • His slavish devotion to the old rules stifled innovation.
  • The slavish copying of Western culture is prevalent in some countries.
imitative

Used more formally to describe something that copies or is based on another. It can be used in a neutral or slightly negative way, depending on the context.

  • The artist's imitative style showed a lot of influence from the Renaissance period.
  • Imitative behaviors are common in young children as they learn from adults.
unoriginal

Used to describe something lacking in originality, often implying it is dull, uninspired, or taken from others. It generally has a negative connotation.

  • His ideas were unoriginal and did not add anything new to the discussion.
  • The plot of the movie was completely unoriginal and predictable.
copycat

Typically used for someone who mimics or replicates someone's behavior, style, or work. It can be used in everyday language and often has a playful or slightly negative tone.

  • She always wears the same clothes as me, she's such a copycat.
  • The copycat restaurant menu closely resembled that of a famous chain.

Examples of usage

  • Slavish adherence to convention
  • The slavish copying of Western fashion trends
Context #2 | Adjective

work

Characteristic of a servant or slave; menial or submissive.

Synonyms

obedient, servile, subservient.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slavish

Used to describe someone who follows instructions or traditions in an unthinking and unquestioning manner. It often has a negative connotation, implying blind adherence.

  • He had a slavish devotion to routine, never daring to deviate from his schedule.
  • Her slavish imitation of her boss made her seem lacking in originality.
servile

Used to describe someone excessively willing to serve or please others, often used in a negative sense to imply a loss of self-respect or dignity.

  • His servile behavior around his superiors made others uncomfortable.
  • She adopted a servile attitude, always agreeing with her boss's every word.
subservient

Used to describe someone who is excessively willing to obey others, typically indicating submission or inferiority. It often has a negative connotation.

  • She found his subservient attitude towards his boss quite unsettling.
  • Growing up, he was taught to be subservient to authority figures.
obedient

Used to describe someone who follows instructions, rules, or requests without question, generally viewed positively especially when referring to children or pets.

  • The obedient dog waited patiently for its owner's command.
  • He was an obedient student, always completing his assignments on time.

Examples of usage

  • The slavish labor of the factory workers
  • The slavish obedience demanded by the dictator

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, 'slavish' behavior may be seen as loyalty, while in others, it is regarded negatively as a lack of independence.
  • Contemporary expressions like 'slavish devotion' often denote excessive admiration or allegiance, particularly in fandoms or among followers.
  • Historically, literature often portrayed characters exhibiting slavish traits to expose the dangers of losing one's identity in the pursuit of approval.

Literature

  • Classic novels often illustrate the dangers of 'slavish' characters, showing how they compromise their morals for others' expectations.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens used 'slavish' characters to critique societal norms and highlight the importance of individuality.
  • In satire, 'slavish' behaviors are often exaggerated to comment on the absurdity of blind following in society.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people who exhibit 'slavish' tendencies may struggle with low self-esteem, often seeking validation through compliance.
  • The 'bystander effect' in psychology illustrates how people may show 'slavish' behavior by failing to act in emergencies, relying on the actions of others instead.
  • Understanding 'slavish' behavior involves studying conformity, where individuals go along with a group to avoid conflict or gain acceptance.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers argue that 'slavish' tendencies undermine personal freedom and critical thinking, which are vital for genuine human development.
  • Existentialists emphasize the importance of individuality against a backdrop of 'slavish' conformity, advocating for personal choice and authenticity.
  • The idea of 'slavish' existence contrasts with living authentically, where one makes choices based on one's beliefs and values.

Origin of 'slavish'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'slavish' comes from the word 'slave,' originating from the Middle Ages when many people were enslaved.
  • In the 17th century, 'slavish' was first used in English to describe someone acting like a slave, especially in a servile or subservient manner.
  • The word evolved to encompass not only servitude but also the idea of mindlessly imitating or following others.

The word 'slavish' originated from the Middle English word 'slavish' which meant 'of or characteristic of a slave'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The term is derived from the word 'slave', referring to a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them. Over time, 'slavish' has evolved to also encompass the idea of being submissive or obedient in a broader sense.

See also: enslave, enslaved, enslavement, slave, slaveholder, slavery, slaves.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,316, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.