groveller
/'grɔvlə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who behaves in an extremely submissive, humble, or obsequious manner, often by showing excessive deference or flattery towards someone perceived as superior, typically to gain favor or avoid conflict. This behavior is characterized by a lack of self-respect or dignity.
Usage
The word "groveller" is used to describe a person whose actions demonstrate extreme and often degrading submission. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying criticism of the person's servile behavior. It is typically used in formal or literary contexts.
Examples
- The dictator was surrounded by grovellers who praised his every decision, no matter how foolish.
- He refused to be a groveller and instead spoke truth to power, even at great personal risk.
- In her view, constantly agreeing with the boss just to get a promotion made her colleagues nothing but grovellers.
Advanced Usage
- Conceptual Use: The term can be used more abstractly to criticize a mindset or attitude of servility within a group or system.
- The culture of fear in the company created an environment of grovellers, not innovators.
Variants and Related Words
- Grovelling (adjective/gerund): Describing the act or behavior of a groveller.
- His grovelling apology was met with contempt.
- Grovel (verb): The action from which "groveller" is derived. It means to act obsequiously or to lie or crawl abjectly on the ground.
- He would grovel before the king to beg for mercy.
Synonyms
- Sycophant: A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
- Toady: A person who behaves obsequiously to gain favor.
- Lackey: A servile follower; a henchman.
- Bootlicker (informal): Someone who seeks favor through flattery.
- Yes-man: A person who always agrees with superiors.
Antonyms
- Defiant one
- Rebel
- Individualist
- Person of principle
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To grovel at someone's feet: To show extreme submission or deference to someone.
- He was expected to grovel at the feet of the lord for forgiveness.
- Abject grovelling: Emphasizes the complete and wretched nature of the submission.
- The courtiers' abject grovelling was a pathetic sight.
Noun
- someone who humbles himself as a sign of respect; who behaves as if he had no self-respect