Prostrate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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prostrate
[หprษstreษชt ]
Definitions
lying face down
To lay oneself flat on the ground with one's face downwards, especially in reverence or submission.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prostrate |
Used to describe someone lying flat on the ground, usually in reverence, submission, or exhaustion.
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| bow |
Typically used when someone bends forward at the waist as a sign of respect or greeting.
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| kneel |
Indicates someone resting on their knees, often during a prayer or proposal.
|
| grovel |
Often has a negative connotation, implying someone crawling or lying face down in a demeaning way to gain favor or forgiveness.
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Examples of usage
- He prostrated himself before the king.
- The soldiers prostrated themselves in front of the general.
lying stretched out on the ground
Lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downwards.
Synonyms
flat, horizontal, prone.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prostrate |
Best used to describe being stretched out with face usually downward, often in context of submission or exhaustion.
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| prone |
Refers to lying face downward, often in a position of vulnerability or danger, and can have a negative connotation.
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| flat |
Used to describe a surface without bumps or inclines, often in everyday items or terrain.
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| horizontal |
Typically used in technical or descriptive contexts to denote something that is parallel to the horizon or the ground.
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Examples of usage
- He was found prostrate on the floor.
- The prostrate figure lay motionless.
overwhelmed or exhausted
Completely overcome or helpless, especially due to extreme physical or emotional exhaustion.
Synonyms
exhausted, overwhelmed, weakened.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prostrate |
Used to describe someone lying flat on the ground, often in submission or because of overwhelming fatigue or illness.
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| exhausted |
Appropriate for situations where someone is extremely tired, physically or mentally drained after strenuous activity.
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| overwhelmed |
Best used when someone is feeling an overpowering sense of stress, emotions, or workload; can have both negative and positive connotations.
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| weakened |
Suitable for describing a state of reduced strength or lessened intensity, often due to illness, lack of food, or strenuous activity.
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Examples of usage
- She felt prostrate after running a marathon.
- I was prostrate with grief.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Practices
- In some cultures, prostration is used in prayer, demonstrating humility and devotion.
- Many Eastern religions, including Buddhism and Islam, include forms of prostration during worship.
- In traditional Chinese culture, showing respect can involve bowing or prostrating before elders or ancestors.
Health and Wellness
- Feeling 'prostrate' can indicate extreme fatigue or illness, often used in medical contexts.
- It can refer to the body's response to severe stress or dehydration.
- Some practices like yoga include postures that encourage a prostrate position, aiding in relaxation.
Literature
- The term is often found in poetry and literature to describe deep despair or submission.
- Classic works like Shakespeare's plays feature the word to convey powerful emotions during key moments.
- Authors use imagery of prostration to symbolize vulnerability in characters.
Historical Context
- Kings and rulers have historically demanded prostration from subjects to emphasize their authority.
- During the medieval period in Europe, subjects were required to prostrate before royalty during ceremonies.
- In ancient Rome, prostration was a common way to express loyalty or submission to the emperor.
Origin of 'prostrate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'prostratus', meaning 'to throw down'.
- It combines 'pro-', meaning 'forward', with 'stratus', meaning 'spread out'.
- This word has been used since the 14th century in English.
The word 'prostrate' originated from the Latin word 'prostratus', past participle of 'prosternere' which means 'to lay flat'. The term was first used in English in the late 14th century. Over time, 'prostrate' has come to represent a state of submission, reverence, or complete exhaustion.