Servil (en. Subservient)
/seɾˈbil/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishSpanish
adjective
One who behaves in a submissive or servile manner, often excessively.
His servile attitude towards the boss made him look down upon by his colleagues.
Su actitud servil ante el jefe lo hacía menospreciar por sus compañeros.
Related to a servant or servitude.
Servile life in ancient times was very hard and full of limitations.
La vida servil en la antigüedad era muy dura y llena de limitaciones.
A person who acts in a servile manner.
He is a servile person who always seeks to please others without considering his own needs.
Es un servil que siempre busca complacer a los demás sin tomar en cuenta sus propias necesidades.
Etymology
From Latin 'servilis', which means 'pertaining to a servant'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
servile attitude
Behavior that demonstrates submission and excessive obedience.
actitud servil
to be servile to someone
To show extremely docile or submissive behavior towards someone.
ser servil con alguien
to have a servile treatment
To treat someone in an excessively attentive or helpful manner.
tener un trato servil
Related Words
slave
A person who is property of another and is obliged to work for them without remuneration.
esclavo
submission
State of being subjected to the will of another.
sumisión
obedience
Act of following someone's orders or instructions.
obediencia
Slang Meanings
A derogatory use to refer to someone who acts without dignity.
That guy is servile, always saying yes to everything.
Ese tipo es un servil, siempre diciendo que sí a todo.
A person who humbles themselves before others only out of self-interest.
Don't pay attention to him, he's just a servile person looking out for his own benefit.
No le hagas caso, solo es un servil que busca su beneficio.