Curtsey: meaning, definitions and examples

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curtsey

[ ˈkəːtsi ]

^{Context #1}

formal gesture

A formal gesture of greeting or respect made by women and girls, consisting of a slight lowering of the body, with bending of the knees.

Synonyms

bow, curtsy

Examples of usage

She gave a curtsey to the queen.
The little girl curtseyed politely.

^{Context #2}

gesture

To make a curtsey, especially as a gesture of greeting or respect.

Synonyms

bow, curtsy

Examples of usage

She curtseyed gracefully.
The girls curtseyed to their teacher.

Translations

Translations of the word "curtsey" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reverência

🇮🇳 नम्रता

🇩🇪 Knicks

🇮🇩 hormat

🇺🇦 реверанс

🇵🇱 dygnięcie

🇯🇵 カーテシー

🇫🇷 révérence

🇪🇸 reverencia

🇹🇷 reverans

🇰🇷 절

🇸🇦 انحناءة

🇨🇿 úklona

🇸🇰 úklon

🇨🇳 屈膝礼

🇸🇮 poklon

🇮🇸 hnébug

🇰🇿 иілу

🇬🇪 მოხრა

🇦🇿 tazim

🇲🇽 reverencia

Word origin

The word 'curtsey' originated in the 16th century from the word 'courtesy', which means a polite gesture. It has been a traditional form of respect and greeting for women and girls in many cultures. The act of curtseying has evolved over time but still remains a symbol of etiquette and manners.

See also: curtail, curtain, curtly, curtness, curtsy.