Grovelling

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈɡrʌvəlɪŋ/

Definitions of grovelling

verb to behave in a servile or demeaning manner, typically in order to gain favor or forgiveness

Example Sentences

A1 The dog was grovelling at the feet of its owner for a treat.

A2 She was grovelling to her boss for forgiveness after making a mistake.

B1 The politician was caught grovelling to the wealthy donors for campaign funds.

B2 The actor was seen grovelling to the director in hopes of getting a leading role in the film.

C1 The employee was tired of grovelling to his demanding boss for approval on every decision.

C2 She refused to grovel to anyone for success, preferring to work hard and earn it on her own terms.

adjective characterized by behaving in a servile or demeaning manner

Example Sentences

A1 He was grovelling for forgiveness after making a mistake.

A2 The dog approached the owner in a grovelling manner, hoping for a treat.

B1 The politician's grovelling apology did little to appease the public's anger.

B2 She felt uncomfortable with his grovelling behavior towards her, as if he was trying to manipulate her.

C1 The CEO's grovelling attitude towards the board members was seen as insincere and desperate.

C2 Despite his grovelling attempts to win her back, she remained steadfast in her decision to end the relationship.

Examples of grovelling in a Sentence

formal The employee was seen grovelling to the boss in hopes of receiving a promotion.

informal I can't believe he was grovelling for forgiveness after the argument.

slang Stop grovelling, it's embarrassing.

figurative The politician was accused of grovelling to special interest groups for campaign donations.

Grammatical Forms of grovelling

past tense

grovelled

plural

grovellers

comparative

more grovelling

superlative

most grovelling

present tense

grovel

future tense

will grovel

perfect tense

have grovelled

continuous tense

is grovelling

singular

groveller

positive degree

grovelling

infinitive

to grovel

gerund

grovelling

participle

grovelled

Origin and Evolution of grovelling

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'grovelling' originated from the Old English word 'gruflian' which meant to dig or scrape with the hands.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'grovelling' shifted to describe someone who is excessively submissive or obsequious, often in a demeaning manner.