Genuflection: meaning, definitions and examples

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genuflection

[ˌdʒɛnjʊˈflɛkʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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
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. During the church service, the congregation performed a genuflection in front of the altar
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. She gave a slight bow to the audience after her performance
kneel	Typically used in contexts involving submission, prayer, or respect. It means to rest on one's knees. He decided to kneel beside his bed to say his prayers
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. As a sign of utmost devotion, the monks performed a full prostration before the sacred shrine

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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

curtsy, obeisance, salute.

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. In the church, he performed a genuflection in front of the altar. She made a genuflection before entering the pew.
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. The guards showed obeisance to the king by bowing. He bowed in obeisance before the elders of the tribe.
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. She made a slight curtsy when introduced to the queen. The young girl curtsied before taking her seat.
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. The soldiers gave a sharp salute to their commander. He gave a quick salute to his friend across the room.

Examples of usage

The knight performed a genuflection before the king.
Her genuflection was a symbol of her loyalty and allegiance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'genuflectere', where 'genu' means knee and 'flectere' means to bend.
The term has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe the act of bending one's knee.
Its roots can be traced back to ancient practices where bowing or kneeling signified respect.

Cultural Practices

In many religious traditions, kneeling is an important part of worship, demonstrating submission or reverence.
In the Catholic Church, genuflection is often performed before entering a pew to show respect for the Eucharist.
Other cultures have similar gestures, like bowing in Japan, to express respect in social interactions.

Psychology

Acts of bending or bowing can trigger feelings of humility and reduce social status, encouraging more egalitarian interactions.
Genuflection may also serve as a physical manifestation of the internal state of respect or reverence.
Research in body language suggests that such gestures can elicit positive reactions from others, making them feel more appreciated.

Literature

Literary works often use gestures like genuflection to symbolize hierarchy, reverence, or change in character dynamics.
Authors employ such physical actions to deepen character development, showing their relationships through body language.
Poetic imagery often captures moments of genuflection to highlight themes of respect and power dynamics in human interactions.

Historical Significance

Genuflection has origins in historical court etiquettes where subjects would kneel to royalty to show loyalty.
In medieval times, knights would genuflect as part of their oaths of fealty during ceremonies.
The action has transformed but remains an important gesture throughout centuries, adapting to various cultural contexts.

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