adj.
Pronunciation: - ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin subservient-, subserviens, present participle of subservire
Date: circa 1626
1 : useful in an inferior capacity : SUBORDINATE
2 : serving to promote some end
3 : obsequiously submissive : TRUCKLING
– sub · ser · vi · ent · ly adverb
synonyms SUBSERVIENT , SERVILE , SLAVISH , OBSEQUIOUS mean showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience. SUBSERVIENT implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position <domestic help was expected to be properly subservient >. SERVILE suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave <a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on>. SLAVISH suggests abject or debased servility <the slavish status of migrant farm workers>. OBSEQUIOUS implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner <waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities>.