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servility

[sərˈvɪləti]

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

Antonyms for servility

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.

  • to resist or rebel against the expectation of being subservient

    Example

    He kicked against servility and refused to be treated like a doormat.

Phrases with servility

  • an extreme form of servility that involves humiliating oneself before others

    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.

  • a program or process designed to teach people to be more submissive and obedient

    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'

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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.