subservient
Group 14Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Prepared to obey others unquestioningly; less important, subordinate GRE
Example in Context
The constitution was designed to ensure that no branch of government would be subservient to any other.
Synonyms
submissiveobedientinferior
Etymology
Serving under others, often with little importance.
- sub- (Latin) — under
- servire (Latin) — to serve
Memory Aid
🧑🍳Sounds like “sub servant”
A SUBMARINE filled with SERVANTS who can only follow orders and never swim up!
Visual Association
👤A tiny servant in a large castle, bowing deeply and wearing a comically oversized hat.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “subservient” mean on the GRE?
subservient (adjective) means “Prepared to obey others unquestioningly; less important, subordinate”. The constitution was designed to ensure that no branch of government would be subservient to any other.
How to remember “subservient” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “subservient” sounds like “sub servant”. A SUBMARINE filled with SERVANTS who can only follow orders and never swim up!
What are synonyms for “subservient”?
Common synonyms: submissive, obedient, inferior.