Prostrate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone lying flat on the ground, usually in reverence, submission, or exhaustion.

• The pilgrim lay prostrate before the sacred shrine.
• He was found prostrate in his living room after the exhausting event.

Typically used when someone bends forward at the waist as a sign of respect or greeting.

• The performer took a bow after the outstanding performance.
• He bowed politely before entering the room.

Indicates someone resting on their knees, often during a prayer or proposal.

• He knelt before the altar and began to pray.
• She knelt down to tie her shoelaces.

Often has a negative connotation, implying someone crawling or lying face down in a demeaning way to gain favor or forgiveness.

• He had to grovel for his job back after the major mistake.
• She refused to grovel before her boss just to get a promotion.

Best used to describe being stretched out with face usually downward, often in context of submission or exhaustion.

• After the long hike, he was prostrate on the ground, barely able to move.
• The worshippers lay prostrate in prayer.

Refers to lying face downward, often in a position of vulnerability or danger, and can have a negative connotation.

• The soldier lay prone, avoiding enemy fire.
• She was found prone on the floor after fainting.

Used to describe a surface without bumps or inclines, often in everyday items or terrain.

• She smoothed out the bedspread until it was perfectly flat.
• The region is known for its flat landscapes.

Typically used in technical or descriptive contexts to denote something that is parallel to the horizon or the ground.

• The shelves need to be perfectly horizontal so the books don't slide off.
• He drew a horizontal line across the paper.

Used to describe someone lying flat on the ground, often in submission or because of overwhelming fatigue or illness.

• After the long hike, he was prostrate on the ground, unable to move
• The worshippers were prostrate before the altar

Appropriate for situations where someone is extremely tired, physically or mentally drained after strenuous activity.

• She felt exhausted after running the marathon
• He was so exhausted from the project that he slept for 12 hours straight

Best used when someone is feeling an overpowering sense of stress, emotions, or workload; can have both negative and positive connotations.

• He felt overwhelmed by the number of tasks he had to complete
• She was overwhelmed with joy when she heard the good news

Suitable for describing a state of reduced strength or lessened intensity, often due to illness, lack of food, or strenuous activity.

• After days without eating, he felt weakened
• The team was weakened by the loss of their star player