Kowtow: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is showing excessive submission or flattery, often with a negative connotation implying weakness or servility.

• He would never kowtow to the boss's unreasonable demands
• The politician was accused of kowtowing to his more powerful allies

Describes a person acting in a degrading or humiliating manner to gain favor or forgiveness, usually seen as desperate and degrading.

• He had to grovel for his job after making a huge mistake
• She would never grovel before anyone, no matter how strong they were

Used in both physical and metaphorical senses, indicating yielding or surrendering oneself to a person, force, or process. It can also imply agreeing to someone's authority or will.

• He had to submit to the rules of the competition
• She refused to submit to the unfair treatment

Generally used to describe the act of physically bowing as a sign of respect, deference, or submission.

• We were all expected to bow down before the king
• She bowed down in gratitude for the help she received

This word is often used when someone is showing excessive or servile deference. It typically carries a negative connotation of overdoing respect or submission.

• He always seems to kowtow to his boss, doing whatever is asked without question
• Some people will kowtow to authority figures just to stay in their good graces

Use 'bow' in situations where someone is bending their body forward to show respect, greeting, or submission. This word is neutral and widely applicable.

• She bowed politely when introduced to the guests
• The hero bowed before the king as a sign of respect

This is a formal gesture of respect or submission. It is often used in a ceremonial or religious context.

• The knight made a deep obeisance to his queen
• They showed obeisance during the sacred ritual

Prostration indicates lying flat on the ground to show extreme respect, submission, or worship. It is commonly used in religious or very solemn contexts, denoting complete submission.

• The monks performed prostration during their morning prayers
• He fell into prostration before the altar