Groveling: meaning, definitions and examples
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groveling
[ ˈɡrɒvəlɪŋ ]
humble behavior
To grovel is to act in a servile or obsequious manner, often to gain favor or forgiveness. It can involve exaggerating one's humility or misfortune in a way that is seen as insincere or pathetic.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was groveling for mercy after his mistakes.
- She found him groveling in front of his boss for a second chance.
- They had to grovel to win back their friends' trust.
submissive behavior
Groveling can also refer to a physical act of crawling or lying face down as a sign of submission or shame. This usage is often more literal.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was groveling on the ground, begging for forgiveness.
- In ancient rituals, followers would often grovel before their deities.
- They saw him groveling like a worm after losing the argument.
Translations
Translations of the word "groveling" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ajoelhar-se
🇮🇳 साष्टांग प्रणाम करना
🇩🇪 kriechen
🇮🇩 merangkak
🇺🇦 принижуватися
🇵🇱 czołgać się
🇯🇵 這う
🇫🇷 se traîner
🇪🇸 arrastrarse
🇹🇷 sürünmek
🇰🇷 기어가다
🇸🇦 يَزْحَفُ
🇨🇿 plazit se
🇸🇰 plaziť sa
🇨🇳 爬行
🇸🇮 plaziti se
🇮🇸 krjúpa
🇰🇿 зеңгіру
🇬🇪 ქანაობა
🇦🇿 sürünmək
🇲🇽 arrastrarse
Etymology
The word 'grovel' originates from the Middle English term 'grovelen', which meant to crawl or lie flat on the ground. It is believed to have Scandinavian roots, particularly from the Old Norse word 'grufla', meaning to crawl. Over time, the meaning shifted from a literal sense of crawling to a figurative one, indicating a demeaning or subservient behavior performed in order to appease someone or gain favor. The use of 'grovel' in English to describe this kind of humbling behavior became common in the late 16th century, and it continues to be utilized in various contexts where a person seeks forgiveness or approval, often to the extent of sacrificing their dignity.
Word Frequency Rank
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.
- ...
- 33977 unsociable
- 33978 disavowing
- 33979 isobar
- 33980 groveling
- 33981 dumbbells
- 33982 subsuming
- 33983 reinterpreting
- ...