The phrase "be submissive" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /bi səbˈmɪsɪv/. This means that the word "be" is pronounced as /bi/, while "submissive" is pronounced as /səbˈmɪsɪv/. The "s" sound is followed by a schwa sound, represented by /ə/, which is similar to the sound in the word "ago". "Submissive" also includes the stress on the second syllable, as indicated by the mark above the "i" in the transcription.
To be submissive means to voluntarily yield or surrender to someone else's control, authority, or will, often in a respectful or obedient manner. It is a behavior characterized by a willingness to comply, submit, or defer to others, often in a hierarchical or power dynamic relationship. In such situations, the submissive individual typically allows others to make decisions, exercise authority, or have dominance over them.
Being submissive can manifest in various contexts, such as personal relationships, professional settings, or social interactions. In personal relationships, it may involve willingly deferring to a partner's wishes, needs, or desires, prioritizing their preferences over one's own. In professional settings, individuals may adopt a submissive attitude towards authority figures, complying with their instructions or conforming to established guidelines.
Being submissive does not imply weakness or lack of agency. It is a conscious choice to prioritize the desires or needs of another person or group. It involves displaying humility, deference, and cooperation, often with the aim of fostering harmony, maintaining peace, or establishing a cooperative environment. However, it is important to distinguish between healthy submission, which is rooted in consent and mutual respect, from situations where submission is coerced or results from an abusive power dynamic.
Ultimately, being submissive represents a willingness to defer to others, often demonstrating respect, compliance, and obedience in order to maintain positive relationships or navigate social hierarchies.
The word "submissive" is derived from the Latin word "submissus", which is the past participle of the verb "submittere". "Submittere" combines the prefix "sub-" meaning "under" or "below" with the verb "mittere" meaning "to send" or "to place". Hence, "submissus" translates to "sent under", "placed under", or "yielding". Over time, the term "submissive" has come to describe a person who willingly yields to authority or control, displaying a submissive attitude or behavior.