Grovelled - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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.

Synonyms

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.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'grovelled'

Main points about word origin

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.

The term 'grovel' is believed to have originated from the Middle English term 'grovelen', which denotes to lie flat on the ground or to crawl. It traces back further to the Old English 'gruf', which means 'to crawl'. This etymological development reflects the idea of someone lowering themselves, both literally and figuratively, often in a state of shame or subordination. Over time, the term evolved to encompass behaviors that imply excessive submissiveness or a desperate seek for approval, particularly in social or power dynamics. Its use in English became more pronounced in the 16th century and has maintained pejorative connotations, implying someone who compromises their dignity.

Word Frequency Rank

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
39123 carpetbagger
39124 hurdling
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Grovelled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations