submissive

Everyday

1. Willing to obey others and do what they want without arguing or standing up for yourself. tree →
2. (animals) Showing by body language that you will not fight, like a dog rolling on its back. tree →

In the lessons

In science, animals show submissive behaviour to stronger animals to avoid fights: a puppy lies down, a wolf tucks its tail. In personal education, being too submissive can mean you do not stand up for yourself; being respectful is different from letting others push you around. If anyone pressures you to do something wrong or unsafe, you can say no and tell a trusted adult. In old stories, servants and children were expected to be submissive.

Examples

• The puppy rolled over in a submissive way. tree →
• The younger wolf lowered its head to look submissive. tree →
• She was too submissive and always let others choose. tree →
• The captured knight bowed in a submissive way. tree →
• You can be polite without being submissive. tree →
• In the old story, the servant answered submissively. tree →
• Remember when you are grown up to be submissive to those who are your superiors, and to be kind to all those who are under you. tree →

Note

Opposites: assertive, rebellious, dominant. Related verb: submit (to give in; also to hand in homework). Noun submission.