grovel

/ˈɡrɒvl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡrɑːvl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgrä-vᵊl ˈgrə-/ (ame, mw)

grovel — verb

  • grovelpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • grovelshe / she / it
  • grovelledpast simple
  • groveledpast simple
  • grovelling-ing form
  • groveling-ing form

1. to humble yourself in an exaggerated way before someone of higher status, usuall

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to humble yourself in an exaggerated way before someone of higher status, usually to obtain their approval or avoid punishment

例句

Diego groveled to his professor after missing three deadlines in a row.

grovel to + person + after + reason

Amina refused to grovel for a raise she knew she had earned.

refuse to grovel for + desired thing

同義詞
  • fawn

    stronger emphasis on flattering and physically attentive behavior

  • crawl

    more informal, implies a complete loss of dignity

  • kowtow

    suggests bowing in submission; used figuratively in business or politics

  • suck up

    very informal slang; common in everyday speech but not in formal writing

反義詞
  • dominate

    opposite — to assert power over others rather than submit

  • defy

    to openly resist authority rather than seek its favor

文法句型

grovel + to + person

grovel + to + person + for + thing

grovel + before + person

用法筆記

Almost always carries a critical tone — the speaker disapproves of the excessive humility. Requires the preposition 'to' before the person addressed, and optionally 'for' before the thing sought.

常見錯誤

❌The intern groveled the manager for a better schedule.
✅The intern groveled to the manager for a better schedule.
💡'grovel' needs the preposition 'to' before the person.
❌He groveled for the promotion his boss.
✅He groveled to his boss for the promotion.
💡the person targeted always comes after 'to', before 'for'.

2. to press your body flat against the ground or crawl low along a surface, especia

2.動詞不及物B1
釋義

to press your body flat against the ground or crawl low along a surface, especially while searching for something or trying not to be seen

例句

Omar groveled on his hands and knees, searching for the lost earring under the sofa.

grovel on hands and knees

Sofia had to grovel through the narrow tunnel to reach the trapped kitten.

同義詞
  • crawl

    more neutral and general; does not imply pressing the body flat

  • creep

    emphasizes quiet or cautious movement

  • scramble

    more urgent and less controlled; often on hands and feet, not flat

反義詞
  • stand

    to be upright, the opposite body position

  • stride

    to walk confidently with long steps

文法句型

grovel + on/under/through + location

用法筆記

Describes a specific body position (low to the ground, often face-down) rather than general crawling. Typically used for short distances or confined spaces — not for crossing open ground.

常見錯誤

❌She groveled all the way across the soccer field.
✅She crawled across the soccer field.
💡'grovel' implies a low, face-down position for a short, specific purpose, not distance travel.