Curtsied: meaning, definitions and examples

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curtsied

 

[ หˆkษœหr.tsiหd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

formal greeting

To curtsy is to bend the knees with one foot in front of the other, typically performed by women as a traditional gesture of respect or acknowledgment toward someone, usually of higher social status. This action is often associated with royal courts and formal occasions. It is similar to a bow, but the movement is distinct and connected to specific customs. Curtsying can convey politeness, submission, or deference, especially in historical or ceremonial contexts.

Synonyms

acknowledge, bow, greet

Examples of usage

  • She curtsied gracefully before the queen.
  • At the royal event, all the ladies curtsied as the king entered.
  • The ballerina curtsied at the end of her performance.
  • He watched as she curtsied out of respect for the dignitaries.

Translations

Translations of the word "curtsied" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fiz uma reverรชncia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคเฅเค•เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der Vorwurf

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ membungkukkan badan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะบะปะพะฝะธะฒัั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ukล‚oniล‚ siฤ™

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŠ่พžๅ„€ใ‚’ใ—ใŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท a fait une rรฉvรฉrence

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hizo una reverencia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท eฤŸilmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ ˆํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู†ุญู†ู‰

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ poklonil se

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ poklonil sa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ž ่บฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ se je priklonil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ beygรฐi sig

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐั ะธะณัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒฎแƒ•แƒ”แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ baลŸ ษ™yildi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hizo una reverencia

Etymology

The word 'curtsy' originated in the early 16th century, derived from the Middle French term 'courtoisie', meaning courtesy or politeness. It reflects the customs of courtesy that were prevalent in European courts during this period. Over time, the action of curtsying became more formalized and associated specifically with the behavior of women in aristocratic and royal settings. The term evolved to denote the specific gesture of bending the knees in respect, often performed when greeting someone of high rank. The practice itself likely has roots in earlier traditions of bowing and honoring figures of authority, which were common in various cultures around the world. By the 18th century, the curtsy became a standard practice in European social etiquette, especially in Britain, and it continues to be a symbol of traditional respect in formal situations.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,232 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.