Spanish Conversation · Level 128
60 words
Spanish word
servil
Pronunciation
IPA/seɾˈβil/
Meaning
- adjectiveobsequious
Example
Eres servil con tu jefe.
You are obsequious to your boss.
More examples
Su respuesta servil dejó claro que buscaba agradar.
His obsequious reply made it clear that he was trying to please.
Core concept
A person fawning over a boss to obtain benefits.
Common phrases
respuesta servil
obsequious reply
comportarse servil
behave obsequiously
trato servil
obsequious treatment
Similar words
obsequioso: Acts with excessive humility and eagerness to please to win someone's favor.
servicial: Willingly helps others, offering friendly, practical assistance when asked.
lisonjero: Gives flattering compliments to win someone's approval.
Definition in Spanish
Que muestra excesiva adulación o sumisión hacia otra persona para obtener su favor o beneficio.
Word origin
The word traces back to Latin servilis (from servus 'slave'), where the adjective signified a slave's submissive nature and now signals excessive obsequiousness.
Usage tips
- Stronger and more contemptuous than sumiso, servil usually criticizes a person's character rather than describing a single polite action.
Other meanings
- subservientadjective
Opposites
- dignodignifiedadjective
- asertivoassertiveadjective
Related words
- servilidadservilitynoun