Genuflection: meaning, definitions and examples

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genuflection

 

[ ˌdʒɛnjʊˈflɛkʃən ]

Noun
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

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

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

Word origin

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.