Dismissive vs. Submissive — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
Dismissive means showing a lack of interest or regard for others, while submissive indicates being willing to yield to others' authority or demands.
Difference Between Dismissive and Submissive
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Dismissive people disregard others' opinions or ideas, showing little interest in engaging. Submissive individuals, on the other hand, often feel compelled to accept others' decisions, prioritizing compliance over expressing their own preferences.
A dismissive attitude often involves rejecting suggestions with disdain, viewing them as unworthy of consideration. Submissive behavior means surrendering one's desires to satisfy another, prioritizing harmony or avoiding conflict.
Someone with a dismissive demeanor may belittle or overlook others' contributions, projecting superiority. Those who are submissive tend to avoid confrontation, agreeing with others even if it contradicts their own beliefs.
In relationships, dismissiveness can lead to emotional neglect by undervaluing a partner's needs. Submissiveness, in contrast, might cause dependency, where one constantly seeks approval or direction from a dominant partner.
While dismissive individuals might communicate condescension through body language or tone, submissive people often maintain low eye contact, offering excessive praise to maintain peace.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Attitude
Lack of interest or regard
Willingness to yield
Behavior
Ignores or belittles others' input
Prioritizes others' desires over own
Communication
Superior or condescending tone
Excessive praise, low eye contact
Relationship Impact
Emotional neglect
Dependency or lack of autonomy
Conflict Approach
Rejects suggestions, dismisses
Avoids conflict, agrees easily
Compare with Definitions
Dismissive
Rejecting others' opinions or feelings as unimportant.
The manager was dismissive of the team's suggestions.
Submissive
Yielding to the authority or control of another.
He took on a submissive role in the discussion.
Dismissive
Showing a lack of concern or consideration.
His dismissive tone made her feel undervalued.
Submissive
Showing a passive or obedient demeanor.
His body language appeared overly submissive.
Dismissive
Undervaluing someone or something's significance.
They were dismissive of new marketing strategies.
Submissive
Demonstrating a compliant or servile attitude.
A submissive employee always follows instructions.
Dismissive
Giving little attention to something considered unworthy.
He was dismissive of the proposal, finding it impractical.
Submissive
Ready to conform to the will or authority of others.
She remained submissive in the face of criticism.
Dismissive
Exhibiting an attitude of disdain or indifference.
She waved her hand in a dismissive gesture.
Submissive
Accepting others' demands without protest.
The dog became submissive after its training.
Dismissive
Feeling or showing that something is unworthy of consideration
His dismissive attitude towards women left him isolated
Monetarist theory is dismissive of the need to control local spending
Submissive
Inclined or willing to submit.
Dismissive
Serving to dismiss.
Submissive
Obedient or passive.
Dismissive
Showing indifference or disregard
A dismissive shrug.
Submissive
(BDSM) One who submits to a dominant partner in BDSM practices.
Dismissive
Showing disregard, indicating rejection, serving to dismiss.
Submissive
(rare) One who submits.
Dismissive
Giving dismission.
Submissive
Inclined or ready to submit; acknowledging one's inferiority; yielding; obedient; humble.
Not at his feet submissive in distress,Creature so fair his reconcilement seeking.
Dismissive
Showing indifference or disregard;
A dismissive shrug
Submissive
Showing a readiness to submit; expressing submission; as, a submissive demeanor.
With a submissive step I hasted down.
Dismissive
Tending to dismiss or reject;
A dismissive gesture
Submissive
Inclined or willing to submit to orders or wishes of others or showing such inclination;
Submissive servants
A submissive reply
Replacing troublemakers with more submissive people
Submissive
Willing to submit without resistance to authority; deferent
Submissive
Abjectly submissive; characteristic of a slave or servant;
Slavish devotion to her job ruled her life
A slavish yes-man to the party bosses
She has become submissive and subservient
Common Curiosities
How does submissiveness affect relationships?
Submissiveness can lead to dependency, with one partner overly reliant on the other's approval.
Is submissiveness the same as being polite?
No, submissiveness involves yielding excessively, whereas politeness is simply courteous behavior.
Can dismissive behavior be unintentional?
Yes, sometimes people can be unintentionally dismissive if they are preoccupied or lack awareness.
Is submissiveness always negative?
Not always; sometimes it can maintain harmony but can also lead to an unhealthy power imbalance.
Why do some people act dismissively?
They may act dismissively due to arrogance, stress, or simply being unaware of their impact on others.
What does dismissive mean in communication?
Dismissive communication shows disregard for others, often with a condescending tone.
How can you identify a dismissive attitude?
A dismissive attitude often includes belittling gestures, lack of interest in listening, or mocking remarks.
Can you learn to be less submissive?
Yes, assertiveness training can help in expressing one's needs and setting healthy boundaries.
What professions might require some degree of submissiveness?
Professions involving strict hierarchy, such as military or corporate settings, might require some compliance.
How do dismissive individuals handle criticism?
Dismissive individuals may reject or minimize criticism instead of considering it constructively.
What does submissiveness imply about one's self-esteem?
It often suggests low self-esteem or a fear of rejection.
What triggers submissive behavior?
Submissive behavior can be triggered by fear of conflict, low self-esteem, or the desire to please.
Can dismissive people change their behavior?
Yes, with awareness and effort, dismissive people can learn to listen and value others' input.
How does dismissiveness impact workplace dynamics?
It can create a toxic environment, as ideas and contributions are undervalued.
How can dismissive behavior be addressed in a team setting?
Open communication, feedback, and promoting a respectful culture can help address dismissiveness.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Mongrel vs. Mutt
Next Comparison
Adaxial vs. AbaxialAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
