servile

servile, subservient

adjective sehr-VEEL Rare

Origin: Latin servilis, of slaves

Usage Note

Servile describes a person who is excessively compliant or obsequious, or more abstractly a state of total submission. It is invariable in gender: un comportement servile, une attitude servile. The related noun is servilité. It is stronger and more pejorative than simply obéissant (obedient).

Examples

"Son attitude servile agaçait tout le monde."

Natural Translation

His servile attitude irritated everyone.

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