Definition of submission

The word "submission" can be traced back to Middle English, where it was spelled "submisyon." Its roots lie in the Old French word "submissiun," which in turn came from the Latin "submissio," meaning "act of submitting" or "state of being submissive." In Latin, "sub-" is a prefix meaning "under" or "subordinate," and "missio" is a noun meaning "sending." Thus, the original meaning of "submission" can be understood as an action of being sent or subjected to someone or something else. The concept of submission can take on various meanings in different contexts. In the context of relationships, submission can refer to a voluntary agency in which one person yields or defers to the will of another. However, it can also have negative connotations when used to describe being forced to submit against one's will. In literature, the word "submission" often represents an act of subjecting oneself to a higher power or authority, such as in the phrase "submitting a manuscript" to a publisher. In law and politics, submission can refer to a formal act or document, such as a country's submission to the rules and procedures of an international organization. Overall, the word "submission" carries both passive and active connotations, underscoring its complexity and versatility as a linguistic and conceptual construct.