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Definition of servile

servile

/ˈsɝː.vəl/
ser · vile
Adverb:servilely
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servile Lexical Profile

servile Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others; submissive to an undignified degree.

Example

"The manager surrounded himself with servile assistants who never questioned his poorest decisions."

2

Of, characteristic of, or relating to slaves or forced labor.

Example

"Historians studied the causes of the servile uprisings that shook the late Roman Republic."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for servile
Antonyms
View all antonyms for servile

Word Nuance & Usage

"Servile" carries a strongly pejorative connotation of cringing self-abasement, distinguishing it from "helpful" or "dutiful," which imply dignified and willing service.

• Rhymes for servile

• Nearby Words

servicer
servicewoman
serviette
servile
serving
servitude
servo

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Middle French servile and directly from Latin servilis ('of a slave, slavish'), derived from servus ('slave, servant').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Servile. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/servile
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