unservile
Học thuậtThân thiện
A confident employee gives an unservile but respectful response to their manager.
Definition
Adjective: Not servile or submissive; not showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others; not obsequious.
Usage
The adjective "unservile" describes a person, attitude, or behavior that is independent and does not display the fawning, overly obedient, or submissive qualities associated with servility. It implies dignity, self-respect, and a lack of undue deference.
Examples
- Her unservile demeanor commanded respect from everyone in the room.
- He gave an unservile but polite response to the aggressive questioning.
- The critic was known for his unservile and honest reviews, regardless of the artist's fame.
Advanced Usage
- "unservile independence": A phrase emphasizing autonomous thought or action free from subservience.
- The scholar was admired for her unservile independence of mind.
- Used in contrast to explicitly servile behavior or historical contexts of servitude.
- Despite being a servant, he maintained an unservile pride in his work.
Variants and Related Words
- Servile (adj): Having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others; submissive. (This is the direct antonym).
- Unservilely (adv): In an unservile manner. (Rarely used).
Synonyms
- Independent
- Dignified
- Self-respecting
- Unobsequious
- Unsubmissive
Antonyms
- Servile
- Obsequious
- Submissive
- Sycophantic
- Deferential
A confident employee gives an unservile but respectful response to their manager.
Adjective
- not servile or submissive