DOORMAT Meaning and
Definition
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A doormat is a noun that refers to a rectangular mat, typically made of fabric or natural fibers, placed at the entrance of a door or an entryway to a building. Its main purpose is to remove dirt, mud, or debris from the soles of shoes before entering indoors. Doormats act as a protective barrier, preventing the transfer of outside elements into a clean and tidy environment.
These mats are designed to be coarse or have bristles, allowing them to effectively scrape shoes and absorb moisture. They are commonly found in front of residential, commercial, or institutional buildings, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and hygiene. Doormats play a significant role in maintaining cleanliness within a home or building, preventing foreign substances from being tracked inside, reducing the risk of slipping, and protecting indoor flooring.
The term "doormat" can also figuratively describe a person who is unassertive, submissive, or easily taken advantage of. In this context, a doormat is someone who allows others to walk all over them, lacking self-confidence and the ability to assert their own desires or opinions. This metaphorical usage of the term implies that such individuals do not stand up for themselves, often prioritizing others' needs over their own, and can be easily manipulated or ignored by others.
Top Common Misspellings for DOORMAT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DOORMAT
Etymology of DOORMAT
The word "doormat" originates from the combination of two separate words - "door" and "mat".
The word "door" can be traced back to the Old English word "dur", which later evolved into the Middle English word "dore". This term ultimately finds its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "duraz", meaning "entrance" or "gate".
The word "mat" comes from the Middle English word "matte", which can be traced back to the Old English word "matta". This term was borrowed from the Old Norse word "mǫttr", meaning "mat" or "matting".
Combining these two words, "doormat" was formed to refer to a mat placed before a door entrance.
Idioms with the word DOORMAT
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doormat
A person who allows themselves to be treated badly by others, often without standing up for themselves.
Similar spelling words for DOORMAT
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