SUBMISSIVELY

Pronunciation (US):

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does submissively mean? 

• SUBMISSIVELY (adverb)
  The adverb SUBMISSIVELY has 1 sense:

1. in a servile manner

  Familiarity information: SUBMISSIVELY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SUBMISSIVELY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a servile manner

Synonyms:

deferentially; submissively

Context example:

he always acts so deferentially around his supervisor

Pertainym:

submissive (abjectly submissive; characteristic of a slave or servant)

 Context examples 

My mother glances submissively at them, shuts the book, and lays it by as an arrear to be worked out when my other tasks are done.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Whereupon the cub covered its fangs, and sank down submissively, while the hand, returning, rubbed behind his ears, and up and down his back.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

“Yes, sir,” the mate acknowledged submissively.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Harriet listened submissively, and said it was very true—it was just as Miss Woodhouse described—it was not worth while to think about them—and she would not think about them any longer but no change of subject could avail, and the next half-hour saw her as anxious and restless about the Eltons as before.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

Presently, he proceeded as before: It only remains for me, to bear the knowledge of the unhappiness I have occasioned, as submissively as I can.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

I submissively expressed, by my silence, my acquiescence in all I had heard from my superior in years and knowledge; and we talked about The Stranger and the Drama, and the pairs of horses, until we came to Mr. Spenlow's gate.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)