Main Entry:

ab·ject

Pronunciation:

\ˈab-ˌjekt\

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 hopelessness or resignation <abject surrender>3: expressing or offered in a humble and often ingratiating spirit <abject flattery> <an abject apology>

synonyms see mean

— ab·ject·ly \ˈab-ˌjek(t)-lē, ab-ˈ\ adverb

— ab·ject·ness \-ˌjek(t)-nəs, -ˈjek(t)-\ noun