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Curtseying: meaning, definitions and examples

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curtseying

 

[ หˆkษ™rtหŒsฤ“-ing ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

court etiquette

Curtseying refers to the act of bending the knees and lowering the body in a formal greeting, typically performed by women as a sign of respect, especially in the presence of royalty or during formal occasions. It is a traditional gesture that indicates deference and politeness.

Synonyms

bowing, obeisance, salutation

Examples of usage

  • She curtseyed gracefully before the queen.
  • During the ceremony, all the ladies curtseyed to the guests.
  • He watched her curtseying elegantly as the music played.
  • The little girl practiced curtseying in front of the mirror.

Translations

Translations of the word "curtseying" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น reverรชncia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคฎเคธเฅเค•เคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kurve

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ salam

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัƒะบะปั–ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ukล‚on

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŠ่พžๅ„€ (ojigi)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท courbette

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ reverencia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท eฤŸilme

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ ˆ (jeol)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู†ุญู†ุงุก (inhina')

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ poklon

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ poklon

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ž ่บฌ (jลซgลng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ poklon

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ beygja sig

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐั ะธัŽ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒฎแƒ แƒ (mokhra)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ eฤŸilmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ reverencia

Word origin

The word 'curtsey' has roots in Middle English, evolving from the term 'courtesy', which originally denoted a form of respectful behavior associated with the courtly manners of medieval times. The transition from 'courtesy' to 'curtsey' reflects a specific physical manifestation of this respect, particularly among women, as societal conventions dictated that greetings involved a demonstration of humility and respect towards superiors, such as royalty or dignitaries. Throughout history, the curtsey has been a symbolic gesture, often adorned with elaborate gowns and ceremonial contexts, and although it may not be as frequently practiced in modern-day society, it remains an enduring symbol of etiquette and traditional decorum.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,070, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.