servile
Noun
Hard difficulty
What does “servile” mean?
noun.having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts related to social hierarchy, obedience, or subservience, particularly in discussions of character or ethics. It emphasizes a lack of independence or dignity in one's actions, distinguishing it from similar words like "obsequious," which suggests a more sycophantic behavior aimed at gaining favor rather than simply serving.
Common Confusions
Servile implies an excessive willingness to serve without dignity, while obsequious usually suggests a sycophantic behavior aimed at gaining favor or approval from those in power.
Do not choose servile if the context emphasizes independence or self-sufficiency rather than an excessive willingness to serve or please others.
Example Sentences
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The servile employee agreed to everything without raising a concern.