Definition

The condition of being obedient or submissive to someone else, often to the point of being overly compliant or servile.

Example

Her subservience to her boss made it difficult for her to express her own ideas.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the concept of subservience in relationships?

Yeah, it's interesting how some people just accept that role without questioning it.

I wonder if it's really healthy to have that kind of subservience to someone else.

It definitely raises a lot of questions about equality and respect.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Subservience → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under) and "servire" (meaning to serve). The word describes a state of being in a position of serving or being subordinate to someone else.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'under' ('sub-') someone and 'serving' ('servire') them — that’s what subservience means.

Visually Confused Words