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Kowtow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kowtow

[หˆkaสŠหŒtaสŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

formal

To act in an excessively subservient manner; to show excessive deference or servility.

Synonyms

bow down, grovel, submit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kowtow

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
grovel

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
submit

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
bow down

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

Examples of usage

  • He refused to kowtow to the demands of his boss.
  • The dictator expected everyone to kowtow to him without question.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

A former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission.

Synonyms

bow, obeisance, prostration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kowtow

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
bow

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
obeisance

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

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

Examples of usage

  • The traditional kowtow was no longer practiced in modern society.
  • The act of kowtow was seen as a gesture of loyalty to the emperor.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In traditional Chinese culture, kowtowing was a way to show the utmost reverence, especially in familial and hierarchical relationships.
  • The practice was often featured in films and literature depicting feudal societies, emphasizing the contrast between power dynamics.

Pop Culture

  • In modern contexts, kowtowing can refer to someone excessively flattering or serving those in power, often depicted in satire and political commentary.
  • Itโ€™s often seen in workplace dynamics, where employees might feel pressured to 'kowtow' to their bosses.

Social Psychology

  • Kowtowing can be examined through the lens of power dynamics in relationships, where individuals may lower their own status to appease others.
  • Research has shown that this submissive behavior can affect interpersonal relationships and group dynamics.

History

  • The British Empire encountered the practice during diplomatic relations with China, leading to misunderstandings about respect and authority.
  • In historical accounts, there are records of Western diplomats and visitors being shocked by the elaborate customs of kowtowing.

Origin of 'kowtow'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Chinese 'kรฒu tรณu', which means to kneel and touch the ground with the forehead as a gesture of respect.
  • It was originally used in the context of the formal greeting performed in front of emperors in ancient China.

The word 'kowtow' originated from the Chinese term 'koutou,' which means 'to kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission.' It was a significant ritual in traditional Chinese culture, especially during imperial times. The act of kowtowing was a way to show respect and loyalty to the emperor. Over time, the term 'kowtow' has evolved to also mean showing excessive deference or subservience in a broader context.

See also: kowtowing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,439, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.