Grovel

grov-ul / gruh-vul

/ˈɡrʌv.əl/ · /ˈɡrɒv.əl/

Verb

Meaning

  • To act in an excessively humble, submissive, or self-degrading way, usually to gain favor, forgiveness, or approval.
  • To crawl or lie face down on the ground, often in fear, shame, or desperation.

Examples

  • He refused to grovel for an apology he did not owe.
  • The employee was not willing to grovel just to keep his position.
  • She groveled at his feet, begging for forgiveness.
  • The defeated king groveled before the conqueror.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms Antonyms
Beg Plead Cringe Kneel Prostrate Humble oneself Fawn Stand tall Defy Resist Assert oneself Dignify

Word Forms

  • Groveling / Grovelling – present participle (both spellings used)
  • Grovelled / Groveled – past tense (UK/US variations)
  • Groveler / Groveller – noun (someone who grovels)

Origin / Etymology

Derived from Old Norse grófla, meaning "to grope" or "to crawl." The term evolved through Middle English to refer to crawling on the ground, later gaining the figurative meaning of acting submissively.

Grammar Information

  • Used as an intransitive verb (does not take a direct object).
  • Commonly followed by prepositions like before, to, or at:
  • — grovel before someone
  • — grovel to a superior
  • Used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Translations

  • Hindi: घुटने टेकना / दीनता दिखाना
  • Tamil: தாழ்மையாகக் கெஞ்சுதல்
  • Telugu: నమ్రంగా వేడుకోవడం / పాదాల వద్ద పడి వేడుకోవడం
  • Spanish: arrastrarse / humillarse
  • French: ramper / s’humilier
  • German: kriechen / sich erniedrigen
  • Arabic: يتذلل / يخضع بإفراط

Idioms & Phrases

  • Grovel at someone’s feet – to act extremely submissive
  • Grovel for forgiveness – to beg intensely for forgiveness
  • Grovel to authority – to show exaggerated obedience to superiors