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Bow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bow

[bəʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weapon

A weapon for shooting arrows, typically made of a curved piece of wood whose ends are joined by a taut string.

Synonyms

arch, crossbow, longbow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bow

Another meaning includes bending the upper part of the body forward as a gesture of respect or submission.

  • The dancer made a deep bow to the audience
  • He bowed politely before leaving the room
arch

Often used to describe a curved structure, like in architecture or anatomy. Doesn't usually refer to the weapon.

  • The stone arch over the doorway was beautifully crafted
  • She felt a sharp pain in the arch of her foot
longbow

A tall type of bow that requires considerable strength to use, historically used by English archers in battles like Agincourt.

  • The archer's longbow was nearly as tall as he was
  • She admired the craftsmanship of the traditional longbow hanging on the wall
crossbow

A medieval weapon that shoots projectiles called bolts or quarrels, known for its horizontal bow mounted on a stock.

  • The soldier reloaded his crossbow quickly during the battle
  • He aimed his crossbow at the target and pulled the trigger

Examples of usage

  • He drew his bow and aimed at the target.
  • She practiced archery with her new bow.
Context #2 | Noun

knot

A looped knot with two ends, used for tying shoelaces or for decoration.

Synonyms

knot, loop, tie.

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Word Description / Examples
bow

Used to refer to the act of bending forward as a gesture of respect or greeting, typically in cultural contexts.

  • The performer took a bow after the show
  • In many cultures, people bow to show respect
knot

Used to describe a tangled or complex fastening, generally in ropes, strings, or shoelaces.

  • He tied a tight knot in the rope
  • The shoelaces were tied in a double knot
loop

Refers to a shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself, often used in various contexts including programming and crafts.

  • She made a loop with the string
  • The program runs in a continuous loop
tie

Used to describe the action of fastening or securing something with a string, rope, or similar item.

  • He used a rope to tie the package
  • She asked him to tie her shoe

Examples of usage

  • She tied her shoelaces with a bow.
  • The gift was wrapped with a beautiful bow.
Context #3 | Verb

bend

To bend the upper part of the body forward as a sign of respect or greeting.

Synonyms

curtsey, greet, nod.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bow

In another context, this word refers to a piece of equipment used to shoot arrows. It is associated with archery, hunting, or historical weaponry.

  • She drew her bow and aimed at the target
  • The hunter carried a bow and a quiver of arrows
curtsey

This word specifically refers to a traditional gesture made by women and girls in which they bend their knees while lowering their body slightly as a sign of respect. It is often used in formal events or when meeting someone of high social standing.

  • The young girl made a curtsey to the queen
  • She practiced her curtsey before the official event
nod

This word describes the act of quickly moving one's head up and down as a subtle way of agreeing, acknowledging, or saying 'yes.' It’s informal and commonly used in everyday interactions.

  • She nodded in agreement
  • He gave a slight nod to indicate he understood
greet

This word is used when meeting someone initially and offering them a verbal or physical acknowledgment such as a handshake or 'hello.' It is used in everyday situations, both formal and informal.

  • He greeted his friend with a smile
  • The hostess greeted each guest warmly

Examples of usage

  • He bowed to the audience after his performance.
  • She bowed her head in acknowledgment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Use

  • Bows have been used for hunting and warfare for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks utilizing them.
  • The longbow was a crucial weapon in medieval England, especially in battles like Agincourt.
  • Crossbows, a type of bow, were invented in China around 500 BC and had significant impacts on warfare and hunting.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, a bow is seen as a symbol of skill, precision, and focus, reflecting the art of archery.
  • The tradition of bowing as a greeting is common in many Asian cultures, symbolizing respect and humility.
  • In Western culture, a bow can signify appreciation, especially at performances or during ceremonies.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Hunger Games' feature protagonists who are skilled archers using bows for survival.
  • Famous characters like Legolas from 'The Lord of the Rings' showcase the bow as a symbol of elegance and strength.
  • In video games, bows are popular weapons in fantasy genres, allowing players to engage in skillful ranged combat.

Science

  • The physics of bows involves tension and elasticity, as they store energy when drawn and release it to propel arrows.
  • Different materials used in bows, like wood or modern composites, affect their performance and usability.
  • Studies have shown that archery can improve coordination and focus, making it a great leisure activity.

Origin of 'bow'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Bow' comes from the Old English word 'boga,' which means 'a bend' or 'a curve.'
  • The word has been used since around the 12th century, originally referring to weaponry.
  • In other languages, like Spanish, the word for bow is 'arco,' which also hints at its curved shape.

The word 'bow' has a long history, dating back to Old English. It originally referred to a bend or curve, which is why it is used to describe the shape of a bow and arrow. Over time, it evolved to also represent the weapon itself, as well as a knot or a gesture of respect. The versatility of the word 'bow' reflects its rich linguistic history and multiple meanings.

See also: bough, bowed, bowgun, bowing, longbow, unbowed.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,488, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.