devot

submissive, obsequious, deferential

adjective de-VOHT Rare

Origin: from Latin 'devotus' (devoted)

Usage Note

Devot usually carries a negative shade in modern German, suggesting excessive subservience or lack of backbone. Ein devotes Verhalten is cringing or fawning. In older religious contexts it meant devout, but that sense is now rare.

Examples

"Er verneigte sich devot vor dem Direktor."

Natural Translation

He bowed submissively before the director.

Literal Translation

He bowed obsequiously before the director.

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