Words / C2

SURV-yl/ˈsɜːvaɪl/

Servile means too eager to obey, in a way that lacks self-respect: a servile manner, servile agreement. Obedient is everyday and not always unkind; a sycophant (already in the dictionary) is the person who flatters for gain. Submissive is the milder cousin. Do not file a servile chorus as a finding.

Meaning

Too eager to serve and obey, in a way that shows a lack of self-respect.

Examples

• “A servile “world-leading” chorus is not a finding.”
• “Obedient is everyday. A sycophant is the flatterer (already in C2). Fawning is the manner. Agreement with a dated n is professionalism. Repeating the slogan so the empty cell is not named is servile. Say the number; rank will survive it or it will not.”

Good to know

Slavishly obedient. Everyday: too obedient. Close person: sycophant (already in C2). Chorus ≠ an n.

Near in meaning

obedient

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