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Groveling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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groveling

[ˈɡrɒvəlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

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

beg, fawn, kowtow, plead.

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.
Context #2 | Verb

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

crawl, prostrate.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'groveling'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

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.