Groveller: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
groveller
[ หษกrษv.ษl.ษr ]
humble submission
A groveller is a person who shows exaggerated humility or submits in a servile manner, often to gain favor or avoid punishment. This behavior typically involves flattering or ingratiating oneself to someone in a position of authority. Grovelling can be seen as a lack of self-respect or dignity, as it involves lowering oneself in a way that may be excessive or insincere. The term is often used with a negative connotation, implying that the individual is compromising their integrity for personal gain.
Synonyms
brown-noser, fawning, flatterer, sycophant, toady.
Examples of usage
- He became a groveller in hopes of receiving a promotion.
- The politician was viewed as a groveller by his peers.
- Despite her talent, she never shies away from being a groveller to the director.
- His grovelling to her family was embarrassing for everyone.
Translations
Translations of the word "groveller" in other languages:
๐ต๐น adorador
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคชเคฒเฅเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Schmeichler
๐ฎ๐ฉ penjilat
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะดะปะฐะฑัะทะฝะธะบ
๐ต๐ฑ pochlebczy
๐ฏ๐ต ใไธ่พใ่จใไบบ
๐ซ๐ท flatteur
๐ช๐ธ adulador
๐น๐ท yalaka
๐ฐ๐ท ์์ฒจ๊พผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุชู ูู
๐จ๐ฟ podlรฉzavรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ podlรฉzavรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ่ฐๅช่
๐ธ๐ฎ prizadetek
๐ฎ๐ธ dabbi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถะฐาัั ะบำฉัะตััะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแขแ แแกแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ yaltakarlฤฑq edษn
๐ฒ๐ฝ lame
Etymology
The term 'groveller' originates from the verb 'grovelling', which dates back to the early 19th century. The root of this word can be traced to the Old English 'grufian', which meant to 'crouch' or 'crawl'. This physical act of lowering oneself to the ground developed into a metaphorical sense, implying submission and obsequious behavior towards others. In literature, 'groveller' is often used to describe characters who seek to appease those of higher status through excessive humility. The notion of grovelling has been critiqued throughout history, representing moral degradation in the pursuit of power or favor. Its usage has extended into modern discussions about workplace dynamics and the ethical implications of sycophantic behavior.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,203, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.
- ...
- 43200 literately
- 43201 micturated
- 43202 stealthiest
- 43203 groveller
- 43204 coalitionist
- 43205 soullessly
- 43206 fractiously
- ...