slavish

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'slavish' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is excessively devoted to someone or something, usually in a way that is seen as excessive or blindly obedient. For example, "Her slavish devotion to her job was admirable but ultimately unsustainable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the OSCE observer report on the election catalogued many "legal and organisational shortcomings," noting that slavish media coverage gave Karimov a "clear advantage" and that "proxy voting on behalf of several voters appeared to be universally practised".

The Guardian

It is this nod to cultural heritage, rather than slavish imitation, that tends to result in a more successful look.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This may explain the perverse dismay the opposition felt when the government embarked on a peace process with the Kurds, who pose the only serious challenge.The slavish media have nurtured Mr Erdogan's sense of infallibility.

The Economist

For them, religion offers an alternative both to the stifling restrictions of the New Order and to the slavish aping of western models.

The Economist

Many commentators felt that he and President Chavez were ultimately to blame for the fiasco, having set an unrealistic timetable and selected a CNE open to accusations of slavish devotion to the ruling party.

The Economist

Entitled "A Movement on Fire", it depicts a future America in which young rebels battle the "Development Party", a statist claque trying to smother individual will with the help of government welfare, a slavish media and death squads.In case the point is missed, the group's co-founder, Jenny Beth Martin, used a speech to declare Washington, DC, "very much like" the decadent Capitol in the trilogy.

The Economist

Britain's desire to keep in with the global superpower, it is argued, makes the British into something like Trojan poodles: slavish in Washington (eg, over Iraq) yet cocky in Brussels, and willing to help America divide the EU and rule.

The Economist

Economics is less a slavish creed than a prism through which to understand the world.

The Economist

The country's only daily newspaper, the Herald, a slavish mouthpiece for Mr Mugabe, conceded that he might face an unprecedented run-off, required within the next three weeks if no candidate won more than 50% of the vote in the first round.

The Economist

Such measured responses, and slavish dedication to protocol, is exactly what it is hoped pre-deployment simulations can ensure.Beth Kolko, who runs Shift Labs, a small Seattle start-up making medical devices, is the motive force behind the programming effort.

The Economist

As the country's slavish electoral committee declared Mr Lukashenka the winner, with 80% of votes on an improbable turnout of more than 90%, the true outcome of this election began to emerge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slavish" to critically describe adherence to rules, leaders, or protocols when such devotion is seen as excessive or counterproductive. It often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of independent thought.

Common error

Avoid using "slavish" in neutral or positive contexts. It almost always implies a negative judgment about the degree of obedience or imitation, suggesting a lack of critical thinking or originality.

Linguistic Context

The word "slavish" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe excessive or uncritical obedience or imitation. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from various sources, highlighting its role in expressing disapproval of blind adherence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "slavish" functions as an adjective that criticizes excessive obedience or imitation, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most commonly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, and carries a neutral register despite its critical connotation. When using "slavish", it is crucial to consider its negative implications and ensure that the context aligns with the intended message of disapproval. Alternatives like "servile" or "obsequious" may be considered for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

servile

Focuses more on the submissive and subordinate behavior of a servant.

obsequious

Implies flattery and excessive eagerness to please.

submissive

Highlights the act of yielding to authority or control.

subservient

Emphasizes a secondary or subordinate role.

fawning

Suggests exaggerated affection or attentiveness.

obeisant

Formally denotes respectful and compliant behavior.

deferential

Indicates respect and yielding to another's judgment.

imitative

Highlights the lack of originality and reliance on copying.

unoriginal

Directly points out the absence of new or creative ideas.

copycat

Informally describes someone who copies others' work or style.

FAQs

How is "slavish" typically used in a sentence?

The word "slavish" is used as an adjective to describe someone or something that shows excessive obedience or imitation, often in a critical way. For example, "The media's "slavish devotion" to the president was concerning".

What words can I use instead of "slavish" to describe obedience?

Depending on the context, you could use "submissive", "servile", or "obsequious". However, remember that these words carry different nuances.

Is it appropriate to describe behavior as "slavish"?

Using "slavish" is appropriate when you want to criticize behavior for being overly obedient or imitative without independent thought. Ensure that the context supports this critical connotation.

What's the difference between "slavish imitation" and "faithful adaptation"?

"Slavish imitation" suggests copying without understanding or creativity, while "faithful adaptation" implies retaining core elements while making necessary adjustments or improvements. The former is negative, the latter can be positive.