Groveling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Old English word 'grufian,' meaning to lie low or crawl.
• Historically, it was associated with physical actions of crawling or lying flat on the ground as a sign of submission.

Psychology

• People may resort to this behavior when they feel insecure about a relationship and fear losing it.
• Overly groveling can stem from low self-esteem, where individuals believe they must earn affection or forgiveness excessively.
• This behavior can sometimes lead to unhealthy dynamics, where one person feels superior while the other feels inferior.

Literature

• Groveling appears in classic literature to showcase submission, like in Shakespeare's plays where characters seek favor from those in power.
• Many novels depict characters who grovel to emphasize their desperation, often leading to humorous or tragic outcomes.

Pop Culture

• Television shows often feature characters who grovel as a comedic element, highlighting their foolishness or desperation.
• In movies, a common plot point involves a character groveling to win back a love interest, creating tension and humor.

Animal Behavior

• While groveling usually refers to human behavior, some animals display similar submission gestures, like dogs rolling over to show they are not a threat.
• In social species, such as primates, submissive behaviors can help maintain peace within the group, akin to human groveling.

This word's position of #33,980 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 33977 unsociable
• 33978 disavowing
• 33979 isobar
• 33980 groveling
• 33981 dumbbells
• 33982 subsuming
• 33983 reinterpreting
• ...