servility

/sə:'viliti/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: * Abject or cringing submissiveness: An excessive, degrading, and often flattering willingness to serve or please someone, demonstrating a complete lack of dignity or self-respect.

Usage and Examples
  • General Use: Describes behavior that is excessively obedient and eager to please in a way that is demeaning.
    • The manager's servility towards the company owner was embarrassing to watch.
    • She rejected the idea that politeness required servility.
  • Historical/Social Context: Often used to criticize behavior seen as characteristic of a servant or slave who has internalized their inferior status.
    • The film explored the psychology of servility in a rigid class system.
    • His servility was not genuine respect but a tactic for survival.
Advanced Usage
  • "with servility": Describes the manner in which an action is performed.
    • He bowed with servility, hoping to avoid punishment.
  • "an attitude of servility": Highlights servility as a mindset or disposition.
    • The regime demanded not just obedience but an attitude of servility from its citizens.
Variants and Related Words
  • Servile (adjective): Having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others.
    • He was criticized for his servile attitude towards authority figures.
  • Servilely (adverb): In a servile manner.
    • The courtiers agreed servilely with the king's every opinion.
Synonyms
  • Obsequiousness: Excessive eagerness to serve or obey, often through flattery.
  • Subservience: Willingness to obey others unquestioningly.
  • Fawning: Displaying exaggerated flattery or affection to gain favor.
  • Grovelling: Acting in an abjectly humble or degrading manner to show submission.
Antonyms
  • Assertiveness: Confidence and forcefulness in stating one's views.
  • Independence: Freedom from outside control or support.
  • Defiance: Open resistance or bold disobedience.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • "To bow and scrape": To behave in an excessively deferential and servile way.
    • He was tired of bowing and scraping to his arrogant boss.
  • "A yes-man": A person who always agrees with their superior, displaying servility.
    • The leader was surrounded by yes-men, not honest advisors.
Noun
  1. abject or cringing submissiveness

Từ đồng nghĩa