Prostrate oneself is a phrase that means to lie down on one's face in submission or reverence. The IPA transcription of this phrase is /prɒsˈtreɪt wʌnˈsɛlf/. The first syllable "pros" is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by an "s" and "t" sound. The second syllable "trate" is pronounced with a long "a" sound followed by a "t" and "r" sound. The final syllable "oneself" is pronounced with a short "o" sound, "n" sound followed by a "s" and "elf" sound. The spelling of the word is derived from its Latin roots "pro" meaning forward and "sternere" meaning to stretch out or lay low.
To prostrate oneself refers to the act of lowering one's body down with arms outstretched, lying facing the ground to express deep respect, humility, or complete submission. This gesture commonly involves lying flat on one's stomach, with one's face and hands touching the ground. It is often seen as a physical and symbolic manifestation of worship, reverence, or extreme veneration towards a deity, superior authority, or an object of profound admiration.
The act of prostrating oneself embodies the notion of complete surrender or devotion to a higher power, acknowledging one's inferiority or dependence. It can be observed in various religious practices, such as in Islam during prayer as an act of submission to Allah, or in Buddhism and Hinduism as a form of respect to deities, gurus, or holy sites. Additionally, prostrating oneself can also be an expression of intense gratitude, supplication, or repentance, as an individual humbly places themselves in a position of vulnerability and submission.
While primarily associated with religious contexts, the act of prostrating oneself can also be metaphorically extended to denote a display of extreme subservience, helplessness, or defeat in non-religious situations. For instance, someone may figuratively prostrate themselves before an authority figure by begging for forgiveness or pleading for mercy. In these cases, the act of prostration serves as a powerful gesture that conveys utmost sincerity, contrition, or reverence in various interpersonal or social settings.
The word "prostrate" comes from the Latin word "prosternere", which is a combination of "pro", meaning "forward" or "down", and "sternere", meaning "to spread out" or "to lay down". In ancient Rome, the verb "prosternere" referred to the act of throwing oneself face-down on the ground, often in a position of submission, reverence, or supplication. Over time, this Latin term evolved into the English word "prostrate", which retains its original sense of physically laying oneself flat on the ground, typically in a position of humility or worship.