# submissively

**Pronunciation:** /səbˈmɪs.ɪv.li/ · suhb-MISS-iv-lee

**CEFR level:** B1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that shows a willingness to obey or yield to the authority or will of others.

## Examples

- He accepted the criticism submissively, without any argument.
- The defeated general bowed submissively to the victorious king.
- She had been trained from a young age to behave submissively towards her elders.

## Synonyms

- obediently — Following orders or rules without question.
- meekly — In a quiet, gentle, and easily imposed-upon manner.
- deferentially — Showing respect and yielding to the judgment or opinion of another.
- servilely — In a manner that is excessively eager to please or obey, like a servant.

## Antonyms

- assertively — Confidently stating your needs or opinions without being aggressive.
- defiantly — In a way that shows open resistance or bold disobedience.
- independently — Without help or influence from others.

## Common patterns

- submissively accept — To accept something without protest or resistance. — He submissively accepted the unfair terms of the contract.
- submissively obey — To obey someone or something without question. — The soldiers submissively obeyed the orders of their commander.
- act submissively — To behave in a way that shows willingness to yield to others. — She tried to act submissively to avoid conflict.

## Collocations

- bow submissively — The knight bowed submissively before the queen.
- accept submissively — She accepted the harsh sentence submissively.
- respond submissively — He responded submissively to every command.

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