Main Entry: ab·ject
Pronunciation: 'ab-"jekt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin abjectus, from past participle of abicere to cast off, from ab- + jacere to throw -- more at JET Date: 15th century
1 : sunk to or existing in a low state or condition (to lowest pitch of abject fortune thou art fallen -- John Milton)
2 a : cast down in spirit : SERVILE, SPIRITLESS (a man made abject by suffering) b : showing utter hopelessness or resignation (abject surrender)
3 : expressing or offered in a humble and often ingratiating spirit (abject flattery) (an abject apology) synonym see MEAN
- ab·ject·ly /'ab-"jek(t)-lE, ab-'/ adverb
- ab·ject·ness /-"jek(t)-n&s, -'jek(t)-/ noun