Which word is a synonym for 'to grovel'?

• A. erudite
• B. fawn
• C. exculpate
• D. esoteric

Answer: (B)

Understanding how a word conveys related but distinct shades of meaning helps you pick the closest synonym. To grovel means to behave with excessive humility or submission in order to win favor. The word that best captures that behavior is fawn, which means to display exaggerated flattery or affection to ingratiate oneself. So the expression “to fawn over someone” perfectly mirrors the idea of groveling.

Erudite describes someone who is extremely knowledgeable, which has nothing to do with submitting or flattering. Esoteric refers to ideas understood by only a few, or specialized knowledge, not behavior toward others. Exculpate means to clear someone of blame, which is the opposite of groveling, since groveling is about self-effacement to gain mercy or favor, not clearing blame.

For a quick sense of usage: she fawned over the manager, constantly praising him to gain a promotion.