Adjective
/ˈseɾ.βil/
The word "servil" refers to a person who is overly submissive, compliant, or eager to serve others to the point of lacking self-respect. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that a person is excessively deferential or obsequious.
In the Spanish language, "servil" is primarily used in written contexts, but it can also be found in formal oral discourse. Its frequency of use is relatively low compared to other adjectives, typically employed in discussions about behavior, social dynamics, or character evaluations.
Él es un empleado servil que siempre pone las necesidades de su jefe por encima de las suyas.
He is a servile employee who always puts his boss's needs above his own.
Su actitud servil no le ganó el respeto de sus compañeros.
His servile attitude did not earn him the respect of his peers.
No seas servil, defiende tu opinión con confianza.
Don't be servile; defend your opinion with confidence.
While "servil" is not often featured in idiomatic expressions, it can be used metaphorically in contexts where someone is overly accommodating or lacks assertiveness.
A nadie le gusta un amigo servil.
No one likes a servile friend.
Ser servil con el poder a menudo conduce a la falta de integridad.
Being servile to power often leads to a lack of integrity.
No debes ser servil con tus deseos; la vida es corta.
You should not be servile to your desires; life is short.
The term "servil" derives from the Latin word "servilis", which means "pertaining to a slave" or "of a slave." The root "servus" means "slave" in Latin, indicating a connection to servitude and subservience.