释义 |
submissive, a.|səbˈmɪsɪv| [ad. L. *submissīvus, f. submiss-, pa. ppl. stem of submittĕre to submit. Cf. It. sommessivo.] 1. Of persons, their actions, words, attributes, etc.: Disposed or inclined to submit; yielding to power or authority; marked by submission or humble and ready obedience.
a1586Sidney Arcadia iii. (1598) 335 With the most submissiue maner his behauiour could yeeld. 1588Shakes. L.L.L. iv. i. 92 Submissiue fall his princely feete before. 1596― Tam. Shr. Ind. i. 53 A lowe submissiue reuerence. 1640Brome Antipodes iii. ii, Ile bring him on submissive knees. 1670Pettus Fodinæ Reg. 34 It might be added with a submissive Confidence, that [etc.]. 1742Wesley Hymn, ‘O for a heart’, An heart resign'd, submissive, meek. 1781Gibbon Decl. & F. xxxvi. (1788) II. 326 His applications for peace became each hour more submissive. 1831Scott Ct. Rob. xxv, With pious and submissive prayers, the Countess closed that eventful evening. 1841D'Israeli Amen. Lit. (1867) 59 Feeble sovereigns and a submissive people could not advance into national greatness. 1868Freeman Norm. Conq. (1877) II. App. 620 To represent Godwine as a model of submissive loyalty towards Eadward. b. Const. to.
1686tr. Chardin's Trav. Persia 238 This Prince is not..so submissive to his Orders, as the other Viceroys. 1757Wilkie Epigoniad iii. 56 His manly voice my horses will obey, And move submissive to his firmer sway. 1869Freeman Norm. Conq. (1875) III. xii. 134 As little submissive to lawful authority as his forefather. 1907Verney Mem. I. 458 Advising his quarrelsome sister..to be submissive to her husband. c. fig. Of material things.
a1721Prior 2nd Hymn Callim. 6 The sever'd Bars Submissive clink against their brazen Portals. †2. a. = submiss 2. Obs. rare.
a1652J. Smith Sel. Disc. vi. vii. (1821) 253 Inquiring with a submissive voice, as if he had been at his private prayers, Shall I do so, or so? †b. Restrained. Obs. rare.
1753Hanway Trav. (1762) II. i. xii. 62 If we consider what is due to health,..to moderate passions, submissive appetites. |