Meaning & use
Grovelling
Last updated
Behaving in an excessively humble or submissive way, especially to win favor or forgiveness.
See it in a sentence
His grovelling apology did little to convince her that he actually meant it.
The courtiers gave grovelling praise to the king's every decision.
A note on using this word
The British spelling of 'groveling'; both derive from 'grovel,' meaning to lie or crawl face-down in humility or fear.
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Another way to use it
2. verb
To behave with excessive humility or submission, especially by prostrating oneself.
He was grovelling on the floor, begging for another chance.
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