groveling

USAGE SUMMARY

"groveling" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used in literature to describe a situation where someone behaves obsequiously or servilely towards another in order to make them happy or win their favor. For example, "Sarah groveled to her boss in hopes of getting a raise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Duncan usually began by explaining how he had trained the dog: "There are persons who have said I must have been very cruel to Rinty in order to get him to act in the pictures," especially in the scenes where the dog is shown "groveling in the dust, shrinking away, his tail between his legs," which Rinty did in "Where the North Begins" and in many films that followed.

The New Yorker

He generously speaks with the groveling Mr. Holt regardless.

The New York Times - Books

"No more groveling like a schlepper," one of them explains.

The New York Times - Books

As self-hating Westerners, he suggests, Mr. Buruma and Mr. Garton Ash can be seen "groveling to Ramadan, who berates the West" while attacking the Somali dissident who embraces its values.

The New York Times - Books

Basically, the only thing he's not raging against is the privileged elite he's groveling in front of for campaign contributions".

The New York Times

They raise the dander of one-issue voters to dazzling effect, and that leaves politicians groveling at their feet.

The New York Times

"Companies will have a tough time raising money and do so more by begging and groveling with current investors," Fabrice Grinda, the investor, said.

The New York Times

Harris had to sound confident without sounding arrogant; he had to exude gratitude without groveling.

The New York Times - Sports

The way her voice, with its blues inflections, cut a swath, leaving nothing standing, tempts me to describe her with groveling hyperbole as an earthier, more acerbic 21st-century Barbra Streisand.

The New York Times - Arts

A regulation posted last month on the Web site of the Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce banned outdoor advertisements promoting "unhealthy" tendencies, including "hedonism, feudalism and royalty, worshiping of and groveling before foreign things, supreme aristocracy and vulgar tastes".

The New York Times

Instead, the president would probably have to build a genuine coalition of lawmakers from both parties (and not the kind of coalition that features a single Republican vote, secured through all manner of groveling and compromise).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "groveling" to vividly depict situations where someone is being excessively submissive or flattering to gain favor. This word choice often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of dignity or integrity.

Common error

Avoid using "groveling" when a more neutral term like "respectful" or "deferential" would be more appropriate. "Groveling" implies a level of desperation and lack of self-respect that may not be intended.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "groveling" is that of a present participle or gerund. As a present participle, it modifies a noun or pronoun, describing an ongoing action. As a gerund, it functions as a noun, representing the act of groveling itself. As Ludwig AI reports, the term is frequently employed in literature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "groveling" functions as a present participle or gerund, signifying extreme subservience or obsequiousness. As per Ludwig AI, this term sees more frequent usage in literature. While grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media, it carries a negative connotation and should be employed judiciously. Remember to consider the potential for misinterpretation, as highlighted in the writing guidance, and explore alternatives like "fawning" or "kowtowing" to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of your writing. The many examples provided by Ludwig illustrate the term's versatility and its consistent association with undignified behavior. Given its common usage in the news, be sure to understand the negative impact that can be associated with the action of "groveling".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fawning

Implies excessive flattery and displays of affection, often to gain favor.

kowtowing

Suggests a more extreme form of deference, often involving bowing or acting subservient.

bootlicking

A more vulgar term for ingratiating oneself through excessive flattery and servility.

sucking up

An informal term for trying to gain favor with someone by being overly nice or complimentary.

being subservient

Describes a state of being subordinate or compliant to someone else's wishes.

obsequious behavior

Highlights the excessive eagerness to please or obey.

ingratiating oneself

Focuses on the act of deliberately trying to gain someone's favor.

currying favor

Implies actively seeking to gain approval or advantage through flattery or service.

toadying

Suggests being a sycophant or flatterer, often for personal gain.

crawling

Emphasizes the abject and humiliating nature of seeking favor.

FAQs

How to use "groveling" in a sentence?

You can use "groveling" to describe someone behaving in an excessively submissive manner, such as "The employee was "groveling" before the manager in hopes of getting a promotion."

What can I say instead of "groveling"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fawning", "kowtowing", or "bootlicking" to describe obsequious behavior.

Which is correct, "groveling" or "grovelling"?

"Groveling" and "grovelling" are both correct, but "groveling" is the standard spelling in American English, while "grovelling" is more common in British English.

What's the difference between "groveling" and "begging"?

"Begging" generally refers to asking for something earnestly, while "groveling" implies a more humiliating and servile posture, often involving flattery or excessive submissiveness in addition to "begging".