How to pronounce servile
Say it like SER-vul. Servile has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce servile. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SER
- vul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Servile pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- vulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of servile
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUR-vyle.
What does servile mean?
- Excessively eager to please; obsequious.
- Slavish or submissive.“servile flattery servile obedience”
- Of or pertaining to slaves or slavery.
- An element which forms no part of the original root.
- A slave; a menial.
Where does servile come from?
From Middle English servyle, from Old French servil, servile, from Latin servīlis, from servus (“slave”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying servile
How do you pronounce servile?
Say SER-vul. The American pronunciation is /ˈsərvəl/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːˌvaɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in servile?
Servile has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SER). Broken into parts: SER · vul.
Is servile pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈsɜːˌvaɪl/ (SUR-vyle).