doormat
C2Informal (for the metaphorical sense). Neutral (for the literal object).
Definition
Meaning
A mat placed outside or inside a door for wiping dirt from shoes.
A person who is treated badly and without respect by others, and who accepts this treatment without complaining.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The metaphorical sense is a common, often mildly derogatory, idiom for describing submissive behaviour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The metaphorical usage is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
The metaphorical sense carries a strong connotation of weakness and lack of self-respect.
Frequency
The literal object is common. The metaphorical usage is frequent in informal contexts discussing relationships or workplace dynamics.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Person] is a doormat.[Person] treats [Person] like a doormat.[Person] became a doormat for [Group/Person].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be/act like a doormat”
- “to treat someone like a doormat”
- “to walk all over someone (closely related)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe an employee or manager who fails to assert themselves, leading to exploitation.
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing. May appear in sociology or psychology texts discussing power dynamics.
Everyday
Common in discussions about personal relationships, family dynamics, or workplace behaviour.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- Please wipe your boots on the doormat before coming in.
- He's turned into a complete doormat since he started that new job; his colleagues just give him all their extra work.
American English
- We bought a new 'Welcome' doormat for the front porch.
- She finally told her boyfriend she wasn't going to be his doormat anymore and left.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doormat is by the front door.
- I need to clean the doormat, it's very dirty.
- Don't let them treat you like a doormat.
- Her constant apologising made her seem like a doormat to her assertive friends.
- A good coir doormat will trap a lot of mud and water.
- The board's subservience to the CEO's whims transformed them from governors into mere doormats.
- His research critiques the 'doormat syndrome' prevalent in certain hierarchical organisational cultures.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a literal doormat with a sad face, being stepped on all day. This image perfectly captures the feeling of the metaphorical usage.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON WHO IS SUBMISSIVE IS A DOORMAT (an object used for wiping dirt).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not directly translate as 'дверной коврик' for the person-metaphor. That refers only to the object. Use 'тряпка' (rag) or 'подкаблучник' (henpecked husband, more specific) for the submissive person, though neither is a perfect equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'doormat' to describe a quiet or kind person (incorrect - it implies exploitation, not mere kindness).
- Confusing 'doormat' with 'doorstep' (the step in front of a door).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'doormat' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its metaphorical sense, it is always derogatory. It criticises a person's lack of assertiveness and self-respect.
No, 'doormat' is only a noun. You cannot 'doormat' someone. The related action is expressed with phrases like 'treat like a doormat' or 'walk all over'.
They can be the same physical object. 'Doormat' is the generic functional term. 'Welcome mat' is a specific type of doormat that has the word 'Welcome' or a friendly design on it.
Not directly. Positive traits like 'accommodating', 'diplomatic', or 'team player' focus on cooperative strength, whereas 'doormat' implies passive weakness and exploitation.