cringing
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Totally submissive: Behaving in an excessively obedient or fearful way, often to avoid conflict or to gain favor. This implies a lack of dignity or self-respect in the face of authority or a perceived threat.
Usage
The adjective "cringing" describes a person's servile, timid, or overly deferential manner. It is often used to criticize behavior that shows excessive eagerness to please or an abject fear of displeasing someone.
Examples
- Adjective:
- His cringing attitude towards the boss made his colleagues uncomfortable.
- She gave a cringing apology, hoping to avoid any further anger.
- The documentary showed the cringing servitude expected of the palace staff.
Advanced Usage
"cringing sycophant": A phrase used to describe a person who flatters someone in a servile way out of self-interest.
- He was nothing more than a cringing sycophant, always agreeing with the manager's worst ideas.
"cringing fear": Intense fear that manifests as submissive behavior.
- The dog's cringing fear was evident every time its owner raised his voice.
Variants and Related Words
- Cringe (verb): To bend one's head and body in fear or in a servile manner; to recoil in distaste or embarrassment.
- I cringe every time I remember my awkward speech.
- Cringingly (adverb): In a cringing manner.
- He smiled cringingly, desperate for approval.
Synonyms
- Servile: Having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others.
- Obsequious: Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.
- Grovelling: Acting in an abject manner to obtain forgiveness or favor.
- Fawning: Displaying exaggerated flattery or affection.
Antonyms
- Assertive: Having or showing a confident and forceful personality.
- Defiant: Showing open resistance or bold disobedience.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To bow and scrape: To behave in a servile or obsequious way.
- He was tired of having to bow and scrape to the board members just to keep his job.
Adjective
- totally submissive