submissiveness
/səbˈmɪsɪvnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /səbˈmɪsɪvnəs/ (ame, ipa) · /-sivnə̇s, -sēv- also -sə̇v-/ (ame, mw)
submissiveness — noun
1. the behaviour of accepting someone else's authority or control over you, shown b
the behaviour of accepting someone else's authority or control over you, shown by obeying without objecting
Joaquín's submissiveness at work made it easy for his manager to give him extra tasks.
submissiveness + at [place/domain]
The dog's submissiveness was clear from the way it lowered its tail and ears.
animal behaviour: lowered tail and ears
Tendai mistook her sister's quiet submissiveness for agreement with the plan.
A therapist helped Omar understand that his submissiveness in relationships came from childhood fears.
Years of enforced submissiveness had made the villagers reluctant to speak their minds.
- obedience
more neutral; implies following rules or orders rather than yielding personal control
- compliance
slightly more formal; focuses on following requests or rules
- docility
emphasises a gentle, easy-to-manage nature rather than active yielding
- meekness
carries a stronger tone of humble patience, often with positive religious connotations
- assertiveness
confidently stating one's own needs or opinions
- defiance
open resistance to authority
- rebellion
active opposition to control or rules
用法筆記
Frequently used with a mildly negative or critical tone when describing human behaviour, suggesting a lack of assertiveness or independence. Also common in descriptions of animal body language.