Subservient: meaning, definitions and examples

🙇

Add to dictionary

subservient

[ səbˈsɜːrviənt ]

^{Context #1}

in a subordinate position

Willing to obey others unquestionably; submissive.

Synonyms

compliant, docile, obedient, submissive

Examples of usage

He was always subservient to his boss's orders.
She felt uncomfortable being subservient to someone else's authority.
The subservient assistant never questioned the decisions of her manager.

^{Context #2}

serving in a lower capacity

Less important; subordinate.

Synonyms

inferior, lesser, lowly, secondary

Examples of usage

The subservient role of the supporting character in the play.
Her subservient role within the organization limited her opportunities for advancement.

Translations

Translations of the word "subservient" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subserviente

🇮🇳 अधीनस्थ

🇩🇪 unterwürfig

🇮🇩 patuh

🇺🇦 підлеглий

🇵🇱 uległy

🇯🇵 従属的

🇫🇷 subalterne

🇪🇸 subordinado

🇹🇷 itaatkâr

🇰🇷 복종하는

🇸🇦 خاضع

🇨🇿 podřízený

🇸🇰 podriadený

🇨🇳 服从的

🇸🇮 podrejen

🇮🇸 undirsátur

🇰🇿 бағынышты

🇬🇪 მორჩილი

🇦🇿 itaətkar

🇲🇽 subordinado

Word origin

The word 'subservient' originated from the Latin word 'subserviens', which means 'being subject to'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The term has evolved to describe someone or something that is obedient, compliant, or in a lower position of authority.