submissively
/səbˈmɪsɪvli/ (bre, ipa) · /səbˈmɪsɪvli/ (ame, ipa) · /-sə̇vlē, -li/ (ame, mw)
submissively — adverb
1. doing something while accepting another person's control or authority, without a
doing something while accepting another person's control or authority, without arguing or fighting back
Inês nodded submissively when the head chef ordered her to redo the entire dessert station.
nodded submissively — physical gesture of compliance
The small dog rolled onto its back submissively, showing the larger animal it meant no harm.
Ziad lowered his head submissively after his father's long lecture about arriving home late.
Sora accepted the unfair schedule change submissively, too tired to argue with the shift manager.
The captured soldier knelt submissively, hands behind his head, waiting for the guards to decide his fate.
- meekly
describes a quiet, gentle temperament rather than active yielding to authority
- obediently
focuses on following orders or rules, not on the attitude of surrender
- docilely
emphasises natural tameness or willingness to be led, often used of animals
- defiantly
showing open, bold resistance to authority
- assertively
standing up for one's own needs or opinions confidently
用法筆記
Often describes physical gestures (nodding, bowing, kneeling, lowering the eyes) as well as verbal or behavioural compliance. The subject is almost always a person or animal.