English vocabulary · C2
Grovel
/ˈɡrɑːvl/ · v.
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When you grovel, you try far too hard to please someone who has power over you. You may beg for one more chance and let your pride go.
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Example sentences
- Don't grovel for a small raise.
- He chose to grovel for his job.
Word origin and roots
from Old Norse
- grufe — face down (from Old Norse)
Synonyms and nuances
- CRAWL — act in a lowly way (Lower yourself for favor)
- PLEAD — ask with deep feeling (Ask with great feeling)
- FAWN — show too much eager praise (Try too hard to please)
Similar words
- crawl
- plead
- fawn
- beg
- kowtow
Lesson notes
When you grovel, you try far too hard to please someone who has power over you. You may beg for one more chance and let your pride go.
Related: crawl, plead, fawn. Use grovel when you bow too low for help.
Don't grovel for a small raise. He chose to grovel for his job.
From Old Norse. Groof- means face down. Face down for one more chance, you grovel with no pride left.