Slavish
Adjective
Definition: Showing or characterized by excessive willingness to serve or please others, often to the point of submissiveness.
Synonyms: Servile, Submissive, Obedient, Sycophantic
Antonyms: Independent, Assertive, Rebellious
- The slavish devotion of the followers to their leader was concerning.
- She lived a slavish life, always doing what others expected of her.
- Slavish sounds similar to "slave-ish", which can remind you of the meaning of submissiveness and servitude.
- Think of someone trying to please others like a servant, always doing what they are told.
Etymology:
The word "slavish" comes from the Middle English word "slauissh" which meant characteristic of Slavs, from the Old French word "esclave" meaning slave.
Historical Usage:Initially used to describe the Slavic people as slaves during the medieval period. Over time, it evolved to describe a submissive or overly obedient behavior.
Related Idioms:
"Slavish adherence"
Explanation:Refers to blindly following rules or principles without questioning or independent thinking.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "slavish" with "Slavic"
Explanation:"Slavish" refers to a submissive or subservient attitude, while "Slavic" refers to the ethnic or linguistic group of Slavic people. They have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.