Genuflection: meaning, definitions and examples
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genuflection
[ ˌdʒɛnjʊˈflɛkʃən ]
religious practice
The act of bending one or both knees as a sign of reverence or respect, especially in a religious context. Genuflection is often performed in churches as a gesture of worship or acknowledgment of the presence of the divine.
Synonyms
bow, kneel, prostration.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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genuflection |
This term is often used in religious or formal contexts, specifically within Christian traditions. It refers to the act of bending at least one knee to the ground to show reverence or respect.
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bow |
This is a general term that can be used in various formal and informal situations to show respect, gratitude, or acknowledgment. It involves bending the upper body forward.
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kneel |
Typically used in contexts involving submission, prayer, or respect. It means to rest on one's knees.
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prostration |
This term is often used in religious or highly formal contexts to describe lying stretched out on the ground, face down, in a very submissive or humble position. It can also mean complete physical or emotional exhaustion.
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Examples of usage
- During the ceremony, the priest made a genuflection before the altar.
- She made a quick genuflection before taking her seat in the pew.
formal etiquette
A formal gesture of respect or courtesy, involving the bending of one knee. Genuflection can be a traditional way of showing deference or submission in certain formal settings.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
genuflection |
Used primarily in religious settings where bending one or both knees to the ground is a sign of deep respect, often performed in Christian churches before the altar.
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obeisance |
A more formal and broad term for a gesture or movement expressing deep respect or submission. Can be used in various settings, from court rituals to general formal interactions.
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curtsy |
Primarily used by women to show respect or courtesy, often involving a small bow and a slight bend of the knees. Common in social events or formal occasions.
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salute |
Commonly used in military contexts to refer to the formal gesture of respect where a hand is brought to the forehead. It can also be used in general contexts to indicate respect or acknowledgment.
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Examples of usage
- The knight performed a genuflection before the king.
- Her genuflection was a symbol of her loyalty and allegiance.
Translations
Translations of the word "genuflection" in other languages:
🇵🇹 genuflexão
🇮🇳 घुटने टेकना
🇩🇪 Kniefall
🇮🇩 bersujud
🇺🇦 колінопреклоніння
🇵🇱 przyklęknięcie
🇯🇵 ひざまずくこと
🇫🇷 génuflexion
🇪🇸 genuflexión
🇹🇷 diz çökme
🇰🇷 무릎 꿇기
🇸🇦 ركوع
🇨🇿 pokleknutí
🇸🇰 pokľaknutie
🇨🇳 屈膝
🇸🇮 pokleknitev
🇮🇸 knéfall
🇰🇿 тізе бүгу
🇬🇪 მუხლის მოდრეკვა
🇦🇿 diz çökmək
🇲🇽 genuflexión
Etymology
The word 'genuflection' originated from the Latin word 'genuflectere', which is a combination of 'genu' meaning knee and 'flectere' meaning to bend. The practice of genuflection has historical roots in various cultures and religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It has been used as a gesture of reverence, submission, and respect for centuries, evolving into a symbolic act of humility and devotion.
See also: genuflect, genuflecting.