What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subservient
Example
The new employee was so subservient to the boss that he never spoke up during meetings. [subservient: adjective]
Example
The country was forced to be subservient to the demands of its powerful neighbor. [subservient: preposition]
obedient
Example
The dog was obedient and always came when called. [obedient: adjective]
Example
The students were expected to be obedient to the teacher's instructions. [obedient: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obedient is more commonly used than subservient in everyday language, as it has a more neutral or positive connotation and is more versatile in different contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between subservient and obedient?
Both subservient and obedient can be used in formal or informal contexts, but subservient may be considered more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.
