groveling
1
7.4
- adjective
- /ˈɡrɒvəlɪŋ/
:
humilde
- I've been reluctant to even seriously consider watching much MM in film, as I have zero patience with all the ballyhoo and worship, but your well-written and insightful article presents MM in a sympathetic, but not groveling manner.
And then the narcissist will often fall into a place of shame, of pathetic groveling apologies of ridiculous justifications.
- And then the narcissist will often fall into a place of shame, of pathetic groveling apologies of ridiculous justifications.
Examples
-
After making a mistake, he decided to give her a groveling apology, hoping she would forgive him.
-
Some people seem to believe he is some groveling, sad person who will take anything.
Blog text (12) -
But I married her, gross, groveling, mole-eyed blockhead that I was.
-
There's no true way of knowing, you see, and in order to find out, I'd have to humiliate myself in one of those endless groveling scenes I detest.
Fiction book (1994) -
Grace recalled her ex-roommate's prominent front teeth, the peculiar blush of her skin, her unnerving manner that was both groveling and insolent—oh, unmistakable.
Fiction book (1993) -
The employee's groveling attitude during the meeting made it clear that he would do anything to please his boss.
-
Despite his past mistakes, he refused to adopt a groveling demeanor in front of his critics.
Synonyms
38
5.1
Willing to obey others and not argue
14
7.6
Too willing to obey and please people with power
7
9.3
Trying too hard to please someone in a way that seems false
1
8.7
Being weak and afraid to stand up for yourself
1
6.7
Being too afraid and eager to please others
Too willing to obey others and not speak up
Willing to agree easily and give up their own view
Very respectful and ready to obey someone in a formal way
Antonyms
How Submissive
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Groveling comes from the old idea of grovel, meaning 'to crawl' or 'lie low' on the ground to show respect or fear, like someone trying to please a powerful person. So, to be groveling today is to act too humble or very eager to please.