Pronunciation: [səbmˈɪsɪv] (IPA) 
The word submissive, meaning obedient or compliant, is spelled with three syllables: sub-mis-sive. The first syllable is pronounced with the "s" sound as in "sun" followed by the "uh" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with the "mi" sound as in "mitt" followed by the "siv" sound as in "sieve". The final syllable is pronounced with the "iv" sound as in "give". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is /səbˈmɪsɪv/.
Submissive is an adjective that refers to the quality or characteristic of being yielding, passive, or obedient towards a person's will, directives, or authority. It describes an individual who easily adheres to the wishes, demands, or control of others without asserting their own desires, opinions, or rights.
In interpersonal relationships, a submissive person tends to prioritize the needs and desires of others above their own. They may exhibit a tendency to acquiesce to the demands and commands of individuals considered superior or dominant, often without questioning or challenging them. This behavior is often driven by a desire for harmony, avoidance of conflict, or a fear of expressing oneself assertively.
Submissiveness can be exhibited in various settings, such as personal relationships, workplaces, or social situations. It can manifest in deferential body language, soft-spoken behavior, or a lack of independent decision-making. This characteristic is often contrasted with dominance or assertiveness, as submissive individuals are seen as more compliant, meek, or passive.
It is important to note that being submissive does not necessarily imply weakness or inability to assert oneself in every situation. It is a behavioral trait that can be influenced by cultural, societal, or personal factors. While submissiveness can be advantageous in certain contexts, it is crucial for individuals to balance their own needs and assert their autonomy to ensure their well-being and avoid exploitation.
Yielding one's will to the will or power of another; acknowledging one's inferiority; compliant; modest.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "submissive" comes from the Latin word "submissus", which is the past participle of the verb "submittere". "Submittere" is formed by combining the prefix "sub-" (meaning "under" or "below") with the verb "mittere" (meaning "to send" or "to put"). In Latin, "submissus" originally meant "humble" or "yielding", with an emphasis on being under the authority or control of someone else. Over time, the meaning of "submissive" in English has evolved to convey a similar sense of being compliant or obedient to another person's authority or wishes.
