Grovelled: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Middle English 'grovelen', which means to crawl or move on the ground.
• Originally used to describe a physical act of crawling, it evolved into a metaphor for submitting or begging.
• It shares roots with the Old English word 'gruf', meaning 'ground', reflecting the act of being low or humble.

Literature

• In Shakespeare’s plays, characters often grovelled to show their desire for forgiveness, highlighting social hierarchies.
• In many classic novels, characters who grovel are usually depicted as desperate or seeking redemption, emphasizing human vulnerability.
• Modern literature sometimes uses grovelling to explore themes of power and submission between individuals.

Psychology

• Groveling can stem from a deep-seated fear of rejection or desire for acceptance in relationships.
• People who grovel might struggle with self-esteem, feeling that they need to drastically reduce themselves to gain approval.
• Psychologically, excessive grovelling can be a coping mechanism for unresolved guilt or mistakes.

Pop Culture

• In many films and TV shows, characters grovel in humorous or dramatic scenes to get back into someone’s good graces, often leading to comic relief.
• The phrase 'grovel for forgiveness' appears frequently in romantic comedies, highlighting the common theme of reconciliation.
• Famous movie scenes often depict a character grovelling as a turning point in their relationships, driving home the story of redemption.

Language and Usage

• Grovelled is the British English spelling; American English often uses 'groveled', showcasing regional differences in English.
• Commonly found in phrases like 'grovel for mercy', the word denotes an extreme form of submission and humility.
• Synonyms for grovel include 'beg', 'plead', and 'wheedle', but each has a slightly different tone and context.

Ranking #39,121, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 39118 inflecting
• 39119 congenially
• 39120 unscented
• 39121 grovelled
• 39122 hyphenate
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