Prostrating: meaning, definitions and examples

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prostrating

[ˈprɒstreɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in worship

To bow down in adoration or submission, typically towards a deity or higher power. It is a gesture of humility and reverence.

Synonyms

bow down, kneel, worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prostrating	This term is often used in religious or extreme respect settings when someone is lying flat on the ground face down as a sign of reverence, submission or worship. The monks were prostrating themselves in front of the altar. In many cultures, prostrating before elders is a sign of deep respect.
bow down	This term can be used in both formal and informal situations where someone bends their upper body forward to show respect or submission. It can also have a negative connotation if someone is metaphorically 'bowing down' to an unjust authority. At the end of the concert, the performer bowed down to the audience. You shouldn't let anyone force you to bow down to their demands.
kneel	This term is used when someone is resting on their knees, typically in a context of devotion, prayer, or proposing. It can also be a sign of showing humility. The knight kneeled before the king to receive his orders. Before the proposal, he got down on one knee.
worship	This term is usually used in a religious context where someone shows reverence and adoration for a deity. It can also refer to the adoration of someone or something in a more general sense. The villagers gathered at the temple to worship their gods. He worships his mentor and follows his every piece of advice.

Examples of usage

He was prostrating himself before the altar in prayer.
The devotees were prostrating in front of the sacred idol.
She was prostrating in the temple as a sign of respect.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in defeat

To lie face down on the ground in a show of surrender or defeat. It is a symbol of submission or acknowledgment of one's inability to continue the fight.

Synonyms

submit, surrender, yield.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prostrating	This word is often used to describe a physical act of lying flat on the ground in adoration or submission, usually in a religious or ceremonial context. The monks were prostrating themselves before the altar. During the ceremony, the participants began prostrating as a sign of deep respect.
surrender	This word is typically used in the context of giving up or yielding to an opponent, often in battles or conflicts. It can carry a negative connotation, indicating loss or defeat. The soldiers had no choice but to surrender. After a lengthy negotiation, they decided to surrender their demands.
yield	Commonly used to describe giving way to force, pressure, or someone else's desires. It may or may not have a negative connotation, depending on the context. You must yield to oncoming traffic at the intersection. After much debate, she yielded to the majority decision.
submit	Used when you agree to follow someone's authority or obey rules. It can be used in formal and informal settings and doesn't necessarily imply weakness. Students must submit their assignments by Friday. She decided to submit to the company's policies.

Examples of usage

The defeated army was prostrating themselves before the conqueror.
He prostrated himself before his enemy, acknowledging his defeat.
She felt the weight of failure as she prostrated on the battlefield.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'prostrate' comes from the Latin 'prostratus,' meaning 'to lie flat or spread out.'
It entered the English language in the 14th century and originally described the physical act of lying down.
The prefix 'pro-' implies 'forward,' indicating the idea of laying oneself forward.

Cultural Practices

In various cultures, prostration is common during prayer as a sign of submission to a higher power.
In traditional Japanese culture, deep bows, sometimes resulting in a position similar to prostrating, show respect.
Many eastern religious practices include prostration during meditation or ritual as an act of devotion.

Psychological Effects

Prostrating can be linked to feelings of humility, submission, or a strong desire to seek forgiveness.
Research shows that body posture can influence our emotions, with lying flat possibly decreasing stress in specific contexts.
Some psychologists suggest that physically lowering oneself can evoke feelings of vulnerability, leading to emotional release.

Literature and Expression

In literature, the act of prostration often signifies a character's loyalty or submission to authority.
Prostration is used metaphorically in poetry to describe total surrender to emotions or situations.
Famous plays have scenes where characters prostrate themselves, emphasizing the weight of their circumstances.

Health and Wellbeing

In yoga and other fitness practices, lying flat can help decompress the spine and promote relaxation.
Excessive fatigue can lead to the need to prostrate oneself; a way of the body pushing you to rest.
Some health routines include prostration to promote mindfulness and reduce mental stress.

Translations

Translations of the word "prostrating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prostrar-se

🇮🇳 साष्टांग प्रणाम करना

🇩🇪 niederwerfen

🇮🇩 bersujud

🇺🇦 простягатися

🇵🇱 padać na twarz

🇯🇵 ひれ伏す (ひれふす)

🇫🇷 se prosterner

🇪🇸 postrarse

🇹🇷 secde etmek

🇰🇷 절하다

🇸🇦 يسجد

🇨🇿 klonit se

🇸🇰 pokloniť sa

🇨🇳 俯伏

🇸🇮 pokloniti se

🇮🇸 krjúpa

🇰🇿 табынып

🇬🇪 მუხლის მოყრა

🇦🇿 səcdə etmək

🇲🇽 postrarse

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,462 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
32459 inconspicuously
32460 beeline
32461 shenanigans
32462 prostrating
32463 scherzo
32464 upholder
32465 synchronicity
...