grovel etymology

Etymology

The word "grovel" comes from the Middle English word "grovelen," which itself is derived from the Old English word "grofelan," meaning "to crawl on the ground." The Old English word is thought to be related to the Proto-Germanic word "grufelen," meaning "to dig."

Meaning

The verb "grovel" means to crawl or lie on the ground in a servile or abject manner. It can also be used figuratively to mean to behave in a demeaning or humble way before someone.

Origin

The word "grovel" was first used in English in the 14th century. It was originally used to describe the act of crawling on the ground as a sign of submission or humility. Over time, the word came to be used in a more general sense to mean any kind of degrading or servile behavior.

grovel relate terms

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• creeping

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• headlong

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• head

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• sidelong

  Etymology The word sidelong is derived from the Old English word sidelinges which me

• sidelong

  Etymology The word sidelong is derived from the Old English word sidelinges which me

• sidle

  Etymology and Origin The word sidle comes from the Middle English word sidlen which

• long

  Etymology The word long comes from the Proto Indo European root leng meaning to stre

• fawn

  Etymology The word fawn originates from the Old English word fægen which meant gl

• crawl

  Etymology Middle English crawlen from Old English crawlian Proto Germanic krawlija

• cringe

  Etymology of Cringe Cringe originates from the Middle English term cringen which f

• bend

  Etymology The word bend has multiple etymological origins Old English bendan to

• crepe

  Etymology The word crepe originates from the French word crêpe which means fabric

• cower

  Etymology The word cower comes from the Middle English word cowren which is itself d

• sequester

  Etymology Late Latin sequestrare to remove set apart from Latin se apart quaere

• precept

  Etymology The word precept comes from the Latin word praeceptum which means comman

• Egypt

• invest

  Etymology The word invest is derived from the Latin word investis which means to c