好词典

servile

UK //ˈsɜː.vaɪl//US //ˈsɝː.vɪl//

词源

源自拉丁语 'servilis',意为'奴隶的',来自 'servus'(奴隶)。14世纪晚期进入英语。

adjective

❶ 形容人或行为过于顺从、卑躬屈膝,像奴隶一样缺乏自尊和独立性,通常带有贬义。

“He resented the servile attitude of his subordinates.”

(他厌恶下属那种卑躬屈膝的态度。)

“Her servile flattery made everyone uncomfortable.”

(她奴颜婢膝的奉承让所有人都感到不适。)

同义词:submissive, obsequious, slavish

常见短语

servile flattery — 指过分谄媚、卑躬屈膝的奉承行为,通常为了讨好权势者。

“The manager saw through his servile flattery and dismissed him.”

(经理看穿了他谄媚的奉承,解雇了他。)