Curtsy: meaning, definitions and examples

🙇

Add to dictionary

curtsy

[ˈkɜːrtsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

formal greeting

A respectful gesture, typically performed by women, involving bending the knees and lowering the body as a sign of respect or courtesy.

Synonyms

bow, greeting, obeisance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
curtsy	A formal gesture of respect or greeting used mainly by women, often in settings such as royal events or traditional ceremonies. During the royal event, she performed a graceful curtsy in front of the queen
bow	A gesture of respect, greeting, or acknowledgment, often involving bending forward at the waist. It can be used by anyone and is common in many cultures, such as in Japan as a greeting or sign of respect. He gave a polite bow when he met the elders in the village
greeting	A general term for any act or words used to welcome someone. This can include verbal expressions like 'hello' or physical gestures like handshakes. It is used in casual, formal, and everyday interactions. She offered a warm greeting to everyone as they entered the room
obeisance	A formal and respectful gesture or act of submission, often involving bowing or kneeling. This term carries a sense of deep respect or deference, frequently used in historical or cultural contexts involving royalty or religious figures. The knights showed their obeisance by kneeling before the king

Examples of usage

She made a curtsy to the queen before exiting the room.
The young girl curtsied to her ballet teacher at the end of the performance.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

perform a curtsy

To perform a formal gesture of respect or politeness, by bending the knees and lowering the body, typically done by women.

Synonyms

bow, greet, salute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
curtsy	Performed typically by females as a gesture of respect or greeting, often in formal settings such as meeting royalty or dignitaries. She offered a deep curtsy to the queen. The girls practiced their curtsies before the royal ball.
bow	A gesture of respect or acknowledgement by bending the upper body forward, used in a variety of settings including formal events, martial arts, and performances. He gave a bow to the audience after his performance. In martial arts, students bow to their instructors.
greet	A general term used for acknowledging someone with words or gestures when meeting them. It is common in both formal and informal situations. He always greets his neighbors with a cheerful wave. The hostess greeted the guests at the door.
salute	A formal gesture, often in military settings, made by raising the hand to the forehead. Also used as a sign of respect or honor in other formal occasions. The soldiers salute the flag during the ceremony. The cadets stood in a line, ready to salute their commander.

Examples of usage

The young ballerina curtsied gracefully at the end of her performance.
She curtsied to the audience before leaving the stage.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The curtsy originated in the medieval courts of Europe, where it was a formal greeting to nobility.
In the past, only ladies would perform a curtsy to demonstrate their submission and respect towards men of higher status.
The word 'curtsy' comes from 'courtesy,' reflecting how manners were taught in royal courts.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, a curtsy is a traditional greeting, especially during formal events or ceremonies.
While prevalent in Western culture, various cultures have their own forms of respectful gestures, such as bows in Japan.
Curtsies may signify more than respect; they encapsulate gender dynamics and social roles in historical contexts.

Pop Culture

In movies and fairy tales, characters often curtsy when meeting royalty, highlighting the importance of etiquette.
The animated film 'Frozen' features characters using curtsies to show respect, reinforcing traditional gestures in a modern context.
Modern events like debutante balls often include curtsies as part of the ceremony, representing a young woman’s entrance into society.

Social Etiquette

Curtsying is a sign of respect not just towards individuals but symbolizes the larger context of social etiquette.
In formal settings today, while less common, curtsies are still seen at royal functions or traditional events.
Learning to curtsy can help children understand manners and the importance of respect in various cultures.

Dance and Performance

Many traditional dances incorporate curtsies, showcasing them as part of formal choreography.
In ballet, curtsies are often used by dancers to express gratitude to the audience after a performance.
The act of curtsying in performances underlines themes of grace and poise, key elements in various art forms.

Translations

Translations of the word "curtsy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reverência

🇮🇳 नम्र प्रणाम

🇩🇪 Knicks

🇮🇩 mengangguk hormat

🇺🇦 реверанс

🇵🇱 dygnięcie

🇯🇵 カーテシー

🇫🇷 révérence

🇪🇸 reverencia

🇹🇷 reverans

🇰🇷 커티시

🇸🇦 انحناء

🇨🇿 úklona

🇸🇰 poklona

🇨🇳 屈膝礼

🇸🇮 priklon

🇮🇸 kveðja

🇰🇿 тағзым

🇬🇪 რევერანსი

🇦🇿 təzim

🇲🇽 reverencia

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,297 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31294 enforcer
31295 happenstance
31296 senescent
31297 curtsy
31298 staunchest
31299 dumbly
31300 tragedian
...