Grovelled: meaning, definitions and examples

apologizing behavior

To grovel means to act in an obsequious or servile manner, often to obtain forgiveness or favor from someone. It implies a level of humility or subservience, reflecting a desire to appease or ingratiate oneself with another person. This behavior is typically characterized by an exaggerated display of remorse or submission. Groveling is often perceived negatively, as it suggests a lack of dignity or self-respect.

entreat, fawn, humble oneself, kowtow, supplicate

Examples of usage

• He grovelled for forgiveness after the argument.

• She didn't want to grovel for a promotion at work.

• The politician grovelled to the voters for their support.

• After the mistake, he found himself grovelling to his boss.