Word: grovel (verb)

Associations

"Grovel" means to behave very humbly or to show deep respect, often in a way that seems too much or embarrassing. It usually involves lowering yourself physically or emotionally to ask for forgiveness or favor.

• Example 1: After making a mistake, he had to grovel to his boss to keep his job. (He showed strong humility to get forgiveness.)
• Example 2: The dog grovels at its owner's feet when it wants a treat. (The dog lowers itself to show submission.)
• Example 3: She refused to grovel even when she was in trouble. (She did not humble herself too much.)

Synonym: "Beg" is similar but focuses more on asking for something urgently. "Grovel" adds the idea of lowering yourself or being very humble, sometimes too much.

Substitution

Instead of "grovel," you can say:

• "Beg" (more direct asking)
• "Crawl" (more physical lowering)
• "Plead" (asking earnestly) Each changes the tone: "grovel" often sounds like too much humility or shame.

Deconstruction

The word "grovel" comes from Old English "grufian," meaning to lie or crawl on the ground. It suggests lowering yourself physically or emotionally. The root is connected to the idea of crawling or being very low.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when someone might need to grovel? Why?
• How does groveling make a person feel? Is it always bad to grovel?
• What is the difference between groveling and simply apologizing?