Subservient Meaning
/səˈbsɜrviənt/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjUseful in an inferior capacity.
adjObsequiously submissive.
Sentence Examples
Don't be subservient to your boss.
Sami was very subservient to Layla.
Tom made his wife subservient to his needs.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The boss expected his workers to be ____ and obey every order without question.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The character in the play was very ____ to his master, never daring to argue or question any order.
Word Origin & History
From Latin subserviens, present active of subservio (“to serve under”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Sansa takes her place as ruler of the North, a free and independent land no longer subservient to anywhere else. And Arya does what she’s always done best: Make her own way, literally leaving everything she knows behind to see what’s over the next horizon."
— 2019 May 19, Alex McLevy, “The final Game Of Thrones brings a pensive but simple meditation about stories (newbies)”, in The A.V. Club, archived from the original on 22 May 2019:
"James Harrison, the tenant, was one of his subservients, chosen by him in consequence of his austere piety, and great influence with his sect […]"
— 1852, Mary Jane Windle, A Legend of the Waldenses: And Other Tales, page 176:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The boss expected his workers to be ____ and obey every order without question.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The character in the play was very ____ to his master, never daring to argue or question any order.