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Servility - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Servility is excessive willingness to serve or please others, often to the point of appearing submissive or lacking self-respect. It implies an overly obedient or fawning attitude.

servility

/sɚˈvɪləti/ /sɜːˈvɪləti/

Definition:

Excessive willingness to serve or please others, often seen as demeaning.

Synonyms:

obsequiousness, subservience, fawning, groveling

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

independence, assertiveness

Common Collocations:

servility towards authority, display servility, attitude of servility

Derivatives:

servile, servileness

Usage Tips:

Use "servility" to describe overly submissive behavior, often with negative connotations of weakness or lack of dignity.

Common Phrases:

bow in servility, grovel with servility, cringe in servility

Etymology:

From Latin "servilis" (slavish), derived from "servus" (slave).

Examples:

  • 1. His servility made others uncomfortable as he constantly agreed with everything his boss said.
  • 2. She rejected the idea of servility and stood up for her rights confidently.
  • 3. The king despised the courtiers' servility and preferred honest advisors.
  • 4. Servility is not a trait admired in leaders; courage and integrity are valued more.

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