Curtseyed: meaning, definitions and examples
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curtseyed
[ ˈkɜːrtsiːd ]
formal greeting
Curtseyed is the past tense of the verb 'curtsey,' which refers to the act of bending the knees while bowing, usually as a gesture of respect or to greet someone in a formal manner. Traditionally, this gesture is performed by women or girls as a sign of politeness. The act can accompany a verbal greeting and is often seen in royal contexts or formal events. It is a historical action that reflects social etiquette and cultural norms of respect.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She curtseyed to the queen.
- The young girl curtseyed gracefully after her performance.
- At the end of the ceremony, they curtseyed as a sign of respect.
- During the ball, the ladies curtseyed to the gentlemen.
- As a child, she was taught to curtsey whenever she met someone important.
Translations
Translations of the word "curtseyed" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fez uma reverência
🇮🇳 झुककर नमस्ते किया
🇩🇪 vornehm geneigt
🇮🇩 membungkuk
🇺🇦 виконала реверанс
🇵🇱 ukłoniła się
🇯🇵 お辞儀をした
🇫🇷 a fait une courbette
🇪🇸 hizo una reverencia
🇹🇷 eğilerek selamladı
🇰🇷 인사를 했다
🇸🇦 انحنى
🇨🇿 poklonila se
🇸🇰 poklonila sa
🇨🇳 行了一个屈膝礼
🇸🇮 se je priklonila
🇮🇸 beygði sig
🇰🇿 бас иді
🇬🇪 გადახარა
🇦🇿 baş əyərək salamladı
🇲🇽 hizo una reverencia
Word origin
The term 'curtsey' originates from the late Middle English word 'courtesie,' meaning 'courtly behavior' or 'courtesy.' The action itself has roots in feudal society, where social hierarchies were strictly observed. In the presence of nobility, demonstrating respect through gestures like curtseying became an important part of etiquette for women, symbolizing submission and deference. The verb 'curtsey' developed as a linguistic offshoot to describe this specific movement. Over time, curtseying evolved in terms of style and significance, often becoming associated with formal events, especially in European courts. While the practice is less common today, it still appears in cultural portrayals, such as films and literature depicting historical settings.