1. to act in a humble or obedient manner; to yield to the authority or will of another
She decided to be submissive to her supervisor's demands.
Ela decidiu ser submissa às exigências de seu supervisor.
2. to show deference or compliance without resistance
He refused to be submissive in the face of injustice.
Ele recusou ser submisso diante da injustiça.
3. in relationships, to adopt a passive or deferential role
Some people prefer to be submissive in their personal relationships.
Algumas pessoas preferem ser submissas em seus relacionamentos pessoais.