Slavish: meaning, definitions and examples
🤖
slavish
[ ˈsleɪvɪʃ ]
behavior
Showing no originality; blindly imitative.
Synonyms
copycat, imitative, unoriginal.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
|
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.
|
unoriginal |
Used to describe something lacking in originality, often implying it is dull, uninspired, or taken from others. It generally has a negative connotation.
|
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.
|
Examples of usage
- Slavish adherence to convention
- The slavish copying of Western fashion trends
work
Characteristic of a servant or slave; menial or submissive.
Synonyms
obedient, servile, subservient.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
|
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.
|
subservient |
Used to describe someone who is excessively willing to obey others, typically indicating submission or inferiority. It often has a negative connotation.
|
obedient |
Used to describe someone who follows instructions, rules, or requests without question, generally viewed positively especially when referring to children or pets.
|
Examples of usage
- The slavish labor of the factory workers
- The slavish obedience demanded by the dictator
Translations
Translations of the word "slavish" in other languages:
🇵🇹 escravo
🇮🇳 ग़ुलामी
- दासता
- दास की तरह
🇩🇪 sklavisch
🇮🇩 seperti budak
🇺🇦 рабський
🇵🇱 niewolniczy
🇯🇵 奴隷のような (どれいのような)
🇫🇷 esclave
🇪🇸 esclavo
🇹🇷 köle gibi
🇰🇷 노예 같은 (노예 같은)
🇸🇦 عبودي
🇨🇿 otrocký
🇸🇰 otrocký
🇨🇳 奴隶的 (nú lì de)
🇸🇮 suženjski
🇮🇸 þrælaháttur
🇰🇿 құлдық
🇬🇪 მონური
🇦🇿 qul kimi
🇲🇽 esclavo
Etymology
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.
- ...
- 23313 monotheism
- 23314 cytosol
- 23315 exhalation
- 23316 slavish
- 23317 questioner
- 23318 flaccid
- 23319 allergen
- ...