Grovel
verb
To act in a very humble way towards someone more powerful, showing that you are willing to obey them.
The servant was groveling before the king, pleading for mercy.
Often appears as...
- grovel before someone
- grovel for forgiveness
verb
To lie or crawl on the ground, especially to show respect or fear.
They groveled at the feet of the cruel leader.
Often appears as...
- grovel on the ground
- grovel at someone's feet
verb
To act in a very humble way towards someone more powerful, showing that you are willing to obey them.
The servant was groveling before the king, pleading for mercy.
Often appears as...
- grovel before someone
- grovel for forgiveness
verb
To lie or crawl on the ground, especially to show respect or fear.
They groveled at the feet of the cruel leader.
Often appears as...
- grovel on the ground
- grovel at someone's feet
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Grovel indicates a clear power imbalance, often used in situations with authority figures.
The intern was groveling for a second chance from her supervisor.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Groveling is seen as overly submissive and can be viewed negatively, as lacking dignity or pride.
The members of the committee disliked his groveling manner.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
In some cultures, groveling is seen as disrespectful or insincere, so use with caution.
He was unaware that his attempts to grovel displeased the elder.
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Grovel indicates a clear power imbalance, often used in situations with authority figures.
The intern was groveling for a second chance from her supervisor.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Groveling is seen as overly submissive and can be viewed negatively, as lacking dignity or pride.
The members of the committee disliked his groveling manner.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
In some cultures, groveling is seen as disrespectful or insincere, so use with caution.
He was unaware that his attempts to grovel displeased the elder.
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Grovel indicates a clear power imbalance, often used in situations with authority figures.
The intern was groveling for a second chance from her supervisor.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Groveling is seen as overly submissive and can be viewed negatively, as lacking dignity or pride.
The members of the committee disliked his groveling manner.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
In some cultures, groveling is seen as disrespectful or insincere, so use with caution.
He was unaware that his attempts to grovel displeased the elder.
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Quote examples
Julian Baggini
British Author
True humility is expressed in deeds, not words. The humble are those who truly walk the same ground as everyone else - not necessarily with grovelling, hunched backs, but certainly not lording it over others, either.
Quote examples
Matt Sydal
American Wrestler
I always stand behind the things that I do. I don't listen to those who downplay things nor do I pay attention to those who grovel at our feet and tell us that we're the greatest. For me, that is just noise.
Quote examples
Clarence Clemons
American Musician
I'll never be rude to another news person. It's a tough job, a thankless job. You really have to get out there and grovel to get your story.
Quote examples
Tecumseh
Leader
Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.
Quote examples
Julian Baggini
British Author
True humility is expressed in deeds, not words. The humble are those who truly walk the same ground as everyone else - not necessarily with grovelling, hunched backs, but certainly not lording it over others, either.
Quote examples
Matt Sydal
American Wrestler
I always stand behind the things that I do. I don't listen to those who downplay things nor do I pay attention to those who grovel at our feet and tell us that we're the greatest. For me, that is just noise.
Quote examples
Clarence Clemons
American Musician
I'll never be rude to another news person. It's a tough job, a thankless job. You really have to get out there and grovel to get your story.
Quote examples
Tecumseh
Leader
Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.
Example 1 of 4
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