servile
UK: ˈsɜː.vaɪl | US: ˈsɜːr.vəl
adj. excessively willing to serve or please others; submissive
adj. of or characteristic of a slave or servitude
servile = serv<slave> + ile<adjective suffix>
- serv (from Latin servus, meaning "slave")
- ile (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, indicating "relating to" or "pertaining to")
Etymology Origin:
The word servile traces back to Latin servilis, meaning "of a slave," derived from servus (slave). It entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core meaning of submissiveness or slavish behavior. The suffix -ile (from Latin -ilis) broadly denotes "related to," reinforcing the connection to servitude. The term reflects societal hierarchies where servility was associated with forced obedience or lack of autonomy.
His servile attitude toward his boss made his colleagues uncomfortable.
The dictator demanded servile loyalty from his subordinates.
She rejected the servile role traditionally assigned to women in her culture.
The waiter’s servile mannerisms seemed insincere.
Critics accused the artist of producing servile imitations of popular styles.