Curtseyed: meaning, definitions and examples
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curtseyed
[ˈkɜːrtsiːd ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Middle English term 'curtsey,' which is related to the word 'curt,' meaning short.
- Its origins are linked to the word 'court,' where people would perform this gesture to show respect to rulers and nobles.
Historical Context
- Curtseying dates back to the medieval period when commoners would show respect to the nobility.
- In royal courts across Europe, curtseying became a customary greeting among ladies towards royalty.
Cultural Significance
- Different cultures have various forms of showing respect; in Japan, a bow is more common than a curtsey.
- In modern times, curtseying is often associated with formal ceremonies and is considered a traditional way to greet someone of high status.
Literature
- Classic literature often describes characters curtseying as a sign of their upbringing or class, emphasizing social hierarchies.
- In fairy tales, princesses often curtsey when greeting princes, further popularizing the gesture in popular culture.
Pop Culture
- Curtseying has been humorously depicted in movies and TV shows, highlighting the old-fashioned nature of the gesture.
- Events like royal weddings often showcase curtseys as part of the ceremonial proceedings, captivating audiences worldwide.
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