1. A reaction or reply characterized by compliance, deference, or acceptance of authority without resistance
The employee gave a submissive response to the manager's criticism rather than defending her work.
A funcionária deu uma resposta submissa à crítica do gerente em vez de defender seu trabalho.
2. In psychology or behavior, a reaction that shows yielding, obedience, or passivity in response to a stimulus or demand
The dog's submissive response to its owner's command demonstrated good training.
A resposta submissa do cão ao comando de seu dono demonstrou bom adestramento.