servility Definition
an excessive willingness to serve or please others, often at the expense of one's own dignity or self-respect.
Using servility: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "servility" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The servility of the employees towards their boss was unsettling.
Example
He resented the servility expected of him as a waiter.
Example
She refused to show servility to her superiors.
servility Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for servility
- obsequiousness
- compliance
- meekness
- docility
- submissiveness
Antonyms for servility
- assertiveness
- independence
- self-reliance
Idioms Using servility
to reject subservience and assert one's independence and dignity
Example
It's time for us to throw off the shackles of servility and demand our rights as citizens.
to overcome one's tendency to be overly submissive and assert one's independence and dignity
Example
She had to learn to rise above servility and stand up for herself.
Example
He kicked against servility and refused to be treated like a doormat.
Phrases with servility
Example
His groveling servility towards his boss was embarrassing to watch.
a psychological condition in which a person has an excessive need to please others and gain their approval, often at the expense of their own well-being
Example
Her servility complex made it difficult for her to assert herself in social situations.
Example
The military's basic training is often criticized for its emphasis on servility and blind obedience.
Origins of servility
from Latin 'servilis', meaning 'of a slave'
Summary: servility in Brief
The term 'servility' [sərˈvɪləti] refers to an excessive willingness to serve or please others, often at the expense of one's own dignity or self-respect. It can manifest in various contexts, such as the workplace or social situations, and can be seen as a negative trait. Phrases like 'groveling servility' and 'servility complex' denote extreme forms of this behavior, while idioms like 'throw off the shackles of servility' encourage people to assert their independence and dignity.
