Grovel: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone behaves in a way to show they are very sorry or trying very hard to gain favor, often in a humiliating or degrading manner.

• He had to grovel before his boss to get his job back.
• She groveled at his feet, begging for forgiveness.

Showing excessive deference and respect, often in a way that is seen as degrading or servile.

• He refused to kowtow to the unreasonable demands of his boss.
• She felt she had to kowtow to her in-laws to keep the peace.

Used when someone is giving a lot of attention to another person in order to gain their favor or goodwill, often in an exaggerated or insincere manner.

• The employees fawned over the new manager.
• She fawned on him until he agreed to help her with the project.

This word implies moving on hands and knees, and figuratively, it can mean acting in a very subservient or humble way.

• He had to crawl back to his manager after the mistake.
• She felt like she was crawling with embarrassment.

Used when someone feels or shows a lack of confidence, or feels embarrassed or awkward. It often has a negative connotation.

• I cringe every time I remember that awkward moment.
• He cringed at the sight of his old photos.

Physically getting down on one's knees, often as a sign of respect, submission, or worship.

• They knelt in prayer at the church.
• He knelt down to propose to her.

Use this word when describing someone who is showing excessive submission or humility, often in a degrading manner, usually to obtain forgiveness or favor. It can have a negative connotation, implying weakness or lack of self-respect.

• He had to grovel at his boss's feet to save his job.
• She would never grovel for anyone, no matter the stakes.

This word refers to showing exaggerated flattery or affection, often to gain favor or advantage from someone in a position of higher status. It can be associated with insincerity and is often seen negatively.

• The employees were fawning over the new manager, hoping for a promotion.
• His fawning behavior made it clear he had ulterior motives.

This word is used to describe a person showing overly submissive behavior, often in a context where they are trying to gain approval from someone in authority. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of dignity and self-respect.

• He was always kowtowing to his superiors, hoping they would notice his hard work.
• She refused to spend her career kowtowing to the whims of her boss.

This term describes behavior that is excessively eager to please or obey someone in authority, and often with a lack of sincerity. It is generally used in a negative sense to criticize someone who is too willing to serve or flatter others.

• His obsequiousness was obvious to everyone; he would do anything to stay in the boss's good graces.
• The obsequiousness of the court officials to the king was both impressive and embarrassing.