servile
adjective C2
Plain meaning
too willing to obey and please someone powerful
Exam-register meaning
submissive in a degrading or uncritical way
In context
naturalHis servile attitude toward senior managers irritated his colleagues.
examThe essay criticises a servile political culture in which authority is rarely questioned.
Common collocations
servile attitudeservile obedienceservile flattery
Watch out
Servile is negative; do not use it for respectful behaviour.
Word family
servility (noun)servilely (adverb)