submissive
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “submissive” mean?
adjective.ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts involving power dynamics, relationships, or social hierarchies. It emphasizes a lack of resistance or assertiveness, suggesting an acceptance of control by others, which distinguishes it from similar terms like "compliant," which may carry a more neutral connotation.
Common Confusions
Submissive implies a passive acceptance of authority, while compliant usually suggests a willingness to obey rules or requests without the same connotation of meekness.
Example Sentences
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She was submissive and rarely disagreed with authority figures.
Word Parts: How to Remember “submissive”
Break “submissive” into its parts: sub- (under, below) + -mis- (send). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
sub-under, below (Latin) -
Root:
-mis-send (Latin)