What does submissively mean?
Submissively is an adverb meaning “in a submissive manner.” It describes speech, movement, or conduct that shows compliance, deference, humility, or a lack of resistance to authority. For example, a person might speak submissively to a superior, lower their gaze, or accept an order without protest. The word often carries a faintly negative implication because it can suggest excessive obedience or an absence of confidence and independence, although context may make it neutral or respectful. Submissively is formed from the adjective submissive with the adverbial ending -ly. It is useful when the focus is not simply on a submissive quality, but on the manner in which an action is carried out.
adverbIn a submissive manner, showing compliance, humility, or readiness to yield to authority or control.
- In a manner marked by compliance, deference, humility, or lack of resistance.
"She lowered her eyes and spoke submissively to the magistrate."
"The witness answered the judge submissively, avoiding any sign of disagreement."
"He bowed submissively and accepted the terms without protest."
The word’s image is remarkably literal: its Latin root means “to send under,” and being made to submit is to be placed under another’s authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does submissively come from?
The adverb is formed from the adjective submissive, which in turn comes from the Latin submittere, meaning “to send under” or “to place under.” The root combines the prefix sub-, meaning “under,” with mittere, meaning “to send.” The same Latin foundation appears in submit, submission, submitted, and other related English forms.
Related word forms
How submissively is actually used
The adverb is often negative in connotation, especially when it describes someone who appears excessively deferential or lacking in confidence. It can be used neutrally when describing deliberate respect or compliance.
Easily confused with submissively
Submissive is an adjective describing a person, attitude, or action, whereas submissively is an adverb describing how an action is performed.