Curtsey: meaning, definitions and examples

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curtsey

[ˈkəːtsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
curtsey	A brief curtsy is typically performed by women or girls as a gesture of respect or greeting, often in formal or traditional settings. This word is less commonly used and can be considered somewhat archaic. She performed a curtsey to greet the queen. The little girl made a curtsey when she was introduced to the guests.
bow	Bowing is a gesture of respect or greeting commonly used around the world. It can be used by both men and women and is more versatile in everyday and formal contexts. The actor took a bow at the end of the performance. He gave a slight bow to show his appreciation.
curtsy	Curtsy is essentially the same as curtsey and is performed by women or girls as a gesture of respect, greeting, or thanks in formal or traditional settings. She curtsied deeply before the royal family. Her curtsy was graceful and elegant.

Word

Description / Examples

curtsey

A brief curtsy is typically performed by women or girls as a gesture of respect or greeting, often in formal or traditional settings. This word is less commonly used and can be considered somewhat archaic.

She performed a curtsey to greet the queen.
The little girl made a curtsey when she was introduced to the guests.

bow

Bowing is a gesture of respect or greeting commonly used around the world. It can be used by both men and women and is more versatile in everyday and formal contexts.

The actor took a bow at the end of the performance.
He gave a slight bow to show his appreciation.

curtsy

Curtsy is essentially the same as curtsey and is performed by women or girls as a gesture of respect, greeting, or thanks in formal or traditional settings.

She curtsied deeply before the royal family.
Her curtsy was graceful and elegant.

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #2 | Verb}

gesture

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

Synonyms

bow, curtsy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
curtsey	Typically used to describe a formal gesture where a woman bends her knees while bowing her head as a sign of respect or acknowledgement. It is commonly associated with traditional or formal settings. The princess made a graceful curtsey to the crowd. She performed a curtsey before leaving the stage.
bow	A gesture of lowering the head or bending the upper body to show respect, gratitude, or greeting. It can be performed by any gender and is used in various formal and informal settings. He gave a small bow to the audience after his performance. When they met, the two old friends exchanged a respectful bow.
curtsy	Another spelling of 'curtsey'. Used to describe the same formal gesture of respect by a woman. It is less commonly used than 'curtsey' but holds the same meaning. The girl performed a shy curtsy before the queen. She dropped into a quick curtsy when introduced to the guests.

Word

Description / Examples

curtsey

Typically used to describe a formal gesture where a woman bends her knees while bowing her head as a sign of respect or acknowledgement. It is commonly associated with traditional or formal settings.

The princess made a graceful curtsey to the crowd.
She performed a curtsey before leaving the stage.

bow

A gesture of lowering the head or bending the upper body to show respect, gratitude, or greeting. It can be performed by any gender and is used in various formal and informal settings.

He gave a small bow to the audience after his performance.
When they met, the two old friends exchanged a respectful bow.

curtsy

Another spelling of 'curtsey'. Used to describe the same formal gesture of respect by a woman. It is less commonly used than 'curtsey' but holds the same meaning.

The girl performed a shy curtsy before the queen.
She dropped into a quick curtsy when introduced to the guests.

Examples of usage

She curtseyed gracefully.
The girls curtseyed to their teacher.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'curtsey' comes from the Old French term 'courtoisie,' meaning courtesy or politeness.
It was originally used to describe a gesture of respect performed by women towards authority figures.
The spelling 'curtsy' evolved around the 16th century, differentiating it from the male equivalent called a bow.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, performing a curtsey is a traditional display of respect in front of royalty or important figures.
In Japanese culture, bowing holds a similar significance, showcasing the universal theme of showing respect through body language.
Curtseying is often featured in period films and literature, helping portray the customs and social hierarchies of earlier times.

Social Etiquette

Though more common in historical contexts, curtseying may still be seen in formal occasions such as royal events or traditional dances.
In modern settings, while curtseying might be less frequent, it still demonstrates grace and poise in social interactions.
Some modern etiquette schools still teach the curtsey as part of lessons on poise, elegance, and respect.

Literature and Art

Curtseying is often depicted in classic literature and fairy tales, emphasizing themes of grace and subservience.
Artworks from the Renaissance often show women curtseying, highlighting its cultural importance in courtly life.
In ballet, a similar gesture is used called 'plié,' where dancers bend their knees in a show of respect and acceptance.

Psychological Aspect

Gestures like curtseying or bowing can convey non-verbal messages of humility and acknowledgment of social status.
Research shows that physical gestures can strengthen feelings of community and connection during social interactions.
Using a curtsey in appropriate settings can create favorable impressions and enhance social cohesion in formal gatherings.

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 Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,235 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31232 whittling
31233 suppository
31234 fogging
31235 curtsey
31236 flagon
31237 vacantly
31238 touting
...