Grovelling: meaning, definitions and examples
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grovelling
[ˈɡrɒvəlɪŋ ]
Definition
apology behavior
Grovelling refers to the act of showing excessive humility or employing extreme behavior to seek forgiveness or make amends. It often involves flattering or submitting oneself in a manner that may seem insincere. The term is commonly associated with attempts to regain favor, especially after having offended someone. People may grovel when trying to repair relationships or when facing authority figures. In some cases, it can be perceived as demeaning or dishonorable, as it reflects a loss of dignity.
Synonyms
cringe, entreat, fawn, humble oneself, kowtow.
Examples of usage
- He was grovelling for her forgiveness after the argument.
- The employee found himself grovelling for his boss's approval.
- She started grovelling, hoping to mend the broken friendship.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'grovelling' comes from the Middle English word 'grovelen,' meaning to crawl or to lie flat.
- It is derived from the Old English word 'gruf,' which means 'to lie low.'
- Historically, the term also implies an action that is humble or submissive, as if one is literally lowering oneself.
Psychology
- Grovelling can stem from guilt or fear, revealing how human emotions can drive people to seek forgiveness.
- Studies suggest that those who grovel may feel a reduction in anxiety and shame after apologizing, highlighting empathy's role in relationships.
- This behavior often involves nonverbal cues like bowing or looking down, reflecting submissive emotions to others.
Pop Culture
- In various films, characters grovelling often provide comedic relief, showing exaggerated remorse in awkward situations.
- Literature frequently portrays characters who grovel when facing their moral dilemmas, making them more relatable and human.
- This theme appears in many classic stories, highlighting how societal structures can lead to characters feeling dependent and powerless.
Literature
- Shakespeare often used grovelling to depict a character’s fall from grace, emphasizing themes of tragedy or redemption.
- In modern novels, grovelling can represent the complexities of human relationships, showcasing how pride affects forgiveness.
- Poets have also explored this theme, using grovelling as a metaphor for vulnerability and the longing for connection.
History
- Throughout history, many leaders have had to grovel to regain the trust of their people after scandals or failures.
- The concept of grovelling has appeared in political discourse, reflecting the dynamic between power and humility in governance.
- In ancient cultures, rituals sometimes required leaders to exhibit humility, symbolized by acts of grovelling before gods or elders.
Translations
Translations of the word "grovelling" in other languages:
🇵🇹 humilhante
🇮🇳 नम्रता से झुकना
🇩🇪 kriechen
🇮🇩 merendahkan diri
🇺🇦 покірливість
🇵🇱 uniżenie
🇯🇵 ひれ伏すこと
🇫🇷 se prosterner
🇪🇸 humillarse
🇹🇷 yalakalık yapmak
🇰🇷 비굴함
🇸🇦 التذلل
🇨🇿 plazit se
🇸🇰 plaziť sa
🇨🇳 卑躬屈膝
🇸🇮 pohlevati
🇮🇸 fótum
🇰🇿 жүгіру
🇬🇪 წერილი
🇦🇿 yerdə sürünmək
🇲🇽 humillarse