2 syllables: Ser, vile. Stress on Ser.
SUR-vuhl
/ˈsɝvəl/
Servile is pronounced SUR-vuhl (/ˈsɝvəl/). It has two syllables (Ser-vile), with the stress on "Ser". Servile is an adjective describing a submissive or compliant attitude or behavior, often in a menial or obsequious context. It implies a deficit of independence and a readiness to follow others’ directions. The term is commonly used in discussions of social hierarchy, labor, or historical/class contexts to denote servitude or slavish obedience.
adjectiveServile is an adjective describing a submissive or compliant attitude or behavior, often in a menial or obsequious context. It implies a deficit of independence and a readiness to follow others’ directions. The term is commonly used in discussions of social hierarchy, labor, or historical/class contexts to denote servitude or slavish obedience.
"Her tone was servile, always eager to please her boss."
"The workers were trapped in a servile condition under the harsh regime."
"He adopted a servile posture, agreeing with every proposal without protest."
Pronounce as: /ˈsɜːr.vaɪl/ in US, /ˈsəː.vaɪl/ in UK, and /ˈsəː.vaɪl/ in Australian English. The first syllable is stressed. Start with a mid-back rounded vowel about /ɜː/ (US) or /əː/ (UK/AU), then the /r/ may be lightly pronounced in rhotic accents. The second syllable is a crisp /vaɪl/ with a long /aɪ/ diphthong and an optional light schwa reduction in rapid speech. Audio reference: you can compare to “serve” + “vile.”
Common errors: 1) Misplacing the stress (e.g., /ˈsər.vil/). 2) Reducing /ˌɜː/ or /əː/ too much, making the first vowel unclear. 3) Slurring /vaɪl/ into /vəl/ or /vej/ in fast speech. Correction tips: emphasize the /ɜː/ or /əː/ vowel with a clear, brief /ɹ/ before it (where applicable), ensure /vaɪl/ is a distinct, rising diphthong, and practice separation of syllables slowly before blending.
US: rhotic /ɹ/ is pronounced clearly; /ˈsɜr.vaɪl/. UK/AU: non-rhotic or lightly rhotic; /ˈsəː.vaɪl/ with a longer schwa; both maintain /vaɪl/ as a clear diphthong. Australia often leans toward a centralized /ə/ in the first syllable and a slightly rounded /ɜː/ or /əː/. The main difference is rhoticity and vowel quality in the first syllable. Practice by listening to equivalent words like “serve” with regional variations.
The challenge lies in the stressed first syllable with a tense, mid back vowel that can drift toward /ɜː/ or /əː/ depending on accent, plus the crisp /vaɪl/ with a clear /aɪ/ diphthong. Speakers often blend the syllables or reduce the first vowel, making /ˈsɜːr.vaɪl/ sound like /ˈsəː.vl/. Focus on maintaining syllable separation and a precise, long /aɪ/ in the second syllable.
The related noun ‘servility’ shifts the stress and adds an extra syllable, which can tempt you to misplace stress on the second syllable: /ˌɜːrˈvɪl.ɪ.ti/ or /ˈsɜːr.vɪl.ɪ.ti/. The core /ˈsɜːr/ or /ˈsəː/ remains; ensure you keep the first syllable strong while the suffix -lity is lighter and quicker. This helps prevent mispronouncing as /ˈsɜːr.vɪl.ɪ.ti/ with heavy second syllable stress.
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The word servile derives from the Latin servilis, meaning “of a slave, slave-like,” from servus “slave.” It entered Middle English in the 14th century, originally tied to conditions of bondage and servitude. The Latin root serv- conveys ownership or subjugation, with later senses expanding to describe attitudes or behaviors that resemble those of a slave—especially excessive obedience or meek compliance. Over time, servile broadened to critique social or political structures that demand unthinking submission. In modern usage, it often carries a negative moral or evaluative tone, signaling a lack of independence or agency. The word interacts with related terms like servitude, servant, and service, but retains its evaluative edge, distinguishing mere service from servile behavior. Today, servile commonly appears in literature, sociology, and political discourse to describe people or conditions characterized by subservient dependence rather than mutual respect or autonomy.
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Help others use "Servile" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Servile" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Servile" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Servile"
-ile sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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