grovel
/'grɔvl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To show submission or fear: To behave in an extremely humble or submissive way, often by lying or kneeling on the ground, especially to gain forgiveness or favor from someone more powerful. 2. To degrade oneself: To act in a way that is undignified or shamefully servile.
Usage
The verb "grovel" describes a physical or metaphorical act of extreme submission. It is typically used to criticize someone's lack of self-respect when they are trying desperately to please or appease another person, often out of fear or a desire for forgiveness. It is a strong, negative word.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Grovel at someone's feet": To show extreme submission physically.
- The servant groveled at the king's feet, begging for mercy.
- "Grovel in the dirt/mud": Literally to lie face down on the ground; often used metaphorically for extreme humiliation.
- The scandal forced the politician to grovel in the dirt before the public.
Variants and Related Words
- Groveler (noun): A person who grovels.
- He was seen as a shameless groveler by his colleagues.
- Grovelling (adjective, chiefly British spelling) / Grovelling (adjective, American spelling): Behaving in a groveling manner.
- His groveling apology was not sincere.
Synonyms
- Fawn: To flatter or show affection in an exaggerated way to gain favor.
- Kowtow: To act in an obsequious manner (from the Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead).
- Prostrate oneself: To lie stretched out on the ground face downward, especially in reverence or submission.
- Toady: To behave in a sycophantic way.
Phrasal Verbs / Common Constructions
- Grovel to/before someone: To act submissively toward a specific person.
- He refused to grovel to his new boss, even if it cost him his job.
Related Idioms
- "Grovel and beg": A common pairing emphasizing both the submissive posture and the verbal pleas.
- He had to grovel and beg to get back into her good graces.