grovelling
/'grɔvliɳ/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Totally submissive: Showing an excessive and humiliating lack of self-respect or courage, often to gain favor or avoid punishment. It describes behavior that is excessively obedient and flattering.
Usage
The adjective "grovelling" is used to describe a person, their behavior, attitude, or actions. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the submission is degrading and insincere, motivated by fear or a desperate desire for approval. It is typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like "be" or "seem."
Examples
- Adjective:
- He wrote a grovelling letter of apology to his boss.
- I hate his grovelling manner whenever the director is in the room.
- Her grovelling flattery made everyone uncomfortable.
Advanced Usage
- "to be grovelling": to be acting in an obsequiously submissive way.
- Stop being so grovelling and stand up for yourself!
Variants and Related Words
Grovellingly (adverb): in a grovelling manner.
- He apologized grovellingly for his mistake.
Grove (verb, base form): to act in a grovelling manner; to lie or crawl face downward in a show of humility or fear.
- The courtiers would grovel before the king.
Synonyms
- Obsequious: excessively eager to please or obey.
- Servile: having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others.
- Fawning: displaying exaggerated flattery or affection.
- Subservient: prepared to obey others unquestioningly.
Antonyms
- Defiant: showing open resistance or bold disobedience.
- Assertive: having or showing a confident and forceful personality.
- Independent: free from outside control; not depending on another's authority.
Related Phrases
Grovelling apology: An apology that is excessively humble and submissive.
- The politician issued a grovelling apology after the scandal.
Grovelling sycophant: A person who uses grovelling behavior to gain advantage.
- He was surrounded by grovelling sycophants who told him only what he wanted to hear.
Adjective
-
totally submissive
