Meaning & Definition of word "Slavish"
Slavish
/ˈsleɪvɪʃ/
adjective:
- 1. of or characteristic of a slave; completely subservient or submissive.
- Example: His slavish obedience to authority made it difficult for him to express his own opinions.
- 2. excessively imitative of another’s work, lacking originality.
- Example: The artist's slavish copying of the master’s style received criticism for its lack of creativity.
- 3. showing no individuality; utterly servile.
- Example: The slavish adherence to the company’s policies left no room for innovation or personal input.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Old French 'esclav', from Latin 'sclavus', meaning 'slave'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
slavish imitation:
An exact or unoriginal copy of something; lacking creativity.
slavish follower:
A person who blindly follows another without independent thought.
Related Words
slave:
A person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them.
servant:
A person employed in the service of another.
servility:
An excessive willingness to serve or please others.
Slang Meanings of slavish
Meaning: To be overly compliant or submissive.
● Example Sentence: Stop being so slavish in your compliance with their demands!
Meaning: Lacking individuality or creativity.
● Example Sentence: That design is so slavish, it looks just like everything else out there.