Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Totally submissive: Behaving in an excessively obedient or fearful way, often to avoid conflict or to gain favor. This implies a lack of dignity or self-respect in the face of authority or a perceived threat.

Usage

The adjective "cringing" describes a person's servile, timid, or overly deferential manner. It is often used to criticize behavior that shows excessive eagerness to please or an abject fear of displeasing someone.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • His cringing attitude towards the boss made his colleagues uncomfortable.
  • She gave a cringing apology, hoping to avoid any further anger.
  • The documentary showed the cringing servitude expected of the palace staff.

Advanced Usage

• "cringing sycophant": A phrase used to describe a person who flatters someone in a servile way out of self-interest.

  • He was nothing more than a cringing sycophant, always agreeing with the manager's worst ideas.

• "cringing fear": Intense fear that manifests as submissive behavior.

  • The dog's cringing fear was evident every time its owner raised his voice.

Variants and Related Words

• Cringe (verb): To bend one's head and body in fear or in a servile manner; to recoil in distaste or embarrassment.
  • I cringe every time I remember my awkward speech.
• Cringingly (adverb): In a cringing manner.
  • He smiled cringingly, desperate for approval.

Synonyms

• Servile: Having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others.
• Obsequious: Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.
• Grovelling: Acting in an abject manner to obtain forgiveness or favor.
• Fawning: Displaying exaggerated flattery or affection.

Antonyms

• Assertive: Having or showing a confident and forceful personality.
• Defiant: Showing open resistance or bold disobedience.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To bow and scrape: To behave in a servile or obsequious way.
  • He was tired of having to bow and scrape to the board members just to keep his job.

Adjective

1. totally submissive