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subservience
IPA:
Dictionary definition of subservience
The state or quality of being submissive, obedient, or excessively compliant to someone else's authority or control.
"Her subservience to her boss was evident in her willingness to work overtime without complaint."
Detailed meaning of subservience
It is characterized by a willingness to prioritize the desires, demands, or interests of others above one's own, often resulting in a lack of assertiveness or independence. Subservience can manifest in various social, professional, or personal relationships, where individuals willingly subordinate themselves to a more dominant or influential person or group. It can be driven by factors such as fear, a desire for approval, a need for security, or a belief in the superiority of others. While some degree of cooperation and deference is normal in certain situations, excessive subservience can lead to an imbalance of power, exploitation, or the suppression of individual rights and freedoms. Encouraging assertiveness and promoting a healthy balance of power are important in fostering relationships that value equality, autonomy, and mutual respect.
Example sentences containing subservience
1. The dictator demanded absolute subservience from his subjects.
2. The employee's subservience to her supervisor prevented her from speaking up about unfair treatment.
3. The culture of subservience in the organization stifled innovation and creativity.
4. His subservience to his partner made him hesitant to voice his own opinions.
5. The company's policies encouraged subservience rather than fostering independent thinking.
6. The historical period was characterized by the subservience of certain social classes to the ruling elite.
History and etymology of subservience
The term 'subservience' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'subserviens,' which is derived from the verb 'subservire.' This Latin root reflects the idea of serving or being in a subordinate position. Over time, the word evolved in English to describe the state or quality of being submissive, obedient, or excessively compliant to someone else's authority or control. The etymology of 'subservience' highlights its historical connection to the concept of servitude and the willingness to yield to another's dominion.
Further usage examples of subservience
1. She resented the subservience expected of her as a woman in that society.
2. The politician's speech denounced the subservience of the government to corporate interests.
3. The oppressive regime relied on fear to maintain the subservience of its citizens.
4. The artist's refusal to compromise his vision demonstrated his resistance to subservience.
5. The group dynamics were dominated by a culture of subservience to the leader's every whim.
6. The film portrayed the struggle for liberation from subservience and oppression.
7. The employee's constant nodding and agreement revealed her subservience to her superiors.
8. The novel explored the damaging effects of subservience on personal identity.
9. The resistance movement sought to overthrow the subservience to foreign powers.
10. The dog's subservience to its owner was apparent in its eager obedience.
11. The company's hierarchical structure reinforced a culture of subservience among employees.
12. The artist challenged societal norms and rejected the expectation of subservience.
13. The protagonist's journey was one of self-discovery and liberation from subservience.
14. Her subservience to the boss was evident in her every action.
15. He resented the culture of blind subservience in the organization.
16. Subservience can hinder personal growth and independence.
17. The ruler demanded absolute subservience from his subjects.
18. She broke free from the chains of subservience to pursue her dreams.
19. The company's culture prioritized loyalty over subservience.
20. Subservience should never be mistaken for true loyalty.
21. In her pursuit of success, she refused to embrace subservience.
22. The leader valued competence over blind subservience.
23. The novel explored themes of rebellion against subservience.
24. True empowerment comes from breaking the shackles of subservience.
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Prefix sub-, Suffix -ence, SAT 17 (Scholastic Assessment Test), High School 7, Compliance and Submission
acquiescence,deference,obedience,passivity,servility
compliance,docility,meekness,resignation,submission,submissiveness,yielding
Synonyms for subservience
Quiz categories containing subservience
obedience, defiance, independence, rebellion
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