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Definition of subservience

subservience

/səbˈsɝː.vi.əns/
sub · ser · vi · ence
Adverb:subserviently
•
Adjective:subservient
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subservience Lexical Profile

subservience Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A willingness to obey others unquestioningly or an overly submissive, deferential attitude toward authority.

Example

"The authoritarian leader demanded absolute subservience from all members of his cabinet."

2

The condition of being secondary, subordinate, or merely instrumental in serving a higher purpose or goal.

Example

"In purely utilitarian architecture, aesthetic beauty is often forced into subservience to practical function."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

subsequent
subsequently
subseries
subservience
subservient
subset
subside

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb 'subservire', meaning 'to serve under' or 'to comply with', formed from 'sub-' (under) and 'servire' (to serve).

Cite this Entry

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