servile etymology

Etymology

The word "servile" comes from the Latin word "servus," which means "slave." The word "servus" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ser-wo-," which also means "to protect" or "to serve."

Meaning

The word "servile" has two main meanings:

  1. Submissive or obedient
  2. Characteristic of a slave

In the first sense, "servile" refers to someone who is overly submissive or obedient to authority. This person may be seen as lacking in independence or self-respect. In the second sense, "servile" refers to something that is characteristic of a slave, such as being menial or degrading.

Origin

The word "servile" first appeared in English in the 14th century. It was originally used to describe the behavior of slaves, but it has since been extended to describe the behavior of anyone who is overly submissive or obedient.

Examples

Here are some examples of how the word "servile" is used in a sentence:

  • The servile clerk bowed and scraped to his boss.
  • The servile dog followed its master everywhere.
  • The servile job required the employee to do menial tasks.

servile relate terms

  • serve

    Etymology From Middle English serven from Old French servir from Latin servīre to

  • servility

    Etymology The word servility comes from the Latin word servilitas which means slav

  • servile

    Etymology The word servile comes from the Latin word servus which means slave The

  • menial

    Etymology Middle English menial from Anglo Norman French minial menial perhaps from

  • drudge

    Etymology The word drudge comes from the Middle English word drugger which itself is

  • puff

    Etymology The word puff is derived from the Middle English word puffen which means

  • minion

    Etymology The word minion is derived from the Old French word mignon meaning darlin

  • abject

    Etymology From Latin abjectus past participle of abjicere to throw away cast of

  • sycophant

    Etymology The word sycophant comes from the Ancient Greek word συκοφάντης

  • opus

    Etymology Late Latin opus operis work labor task Latin opus operis work tas

  • market

    Etymology The word market is derived from the Late Latin word mercatus meaning trad

  • pride

    Etymology The word pride comes from the Middle English word pryde which in turn der