Obeisance: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to convey deep respect or submission, typically in a formal or serious setting.

• The knight showed obeisance to his lord by kneeling and bowing his head.
• In the presence of the king, the entire court performed acts of obeisance.

A more general term used to show respect or greeting in various cultures and situations.

• She gave a small bow when introduced to the ambassador.
• The performers took a bow after their final act.

Commonly used by women and girls, especially in historical or formal settings, to show respect or politeness.

• The princess made a graceful curtsy to the visiting dignitaries.
• She curtsied before sitting down at the table.

Mainly used in religious contexts, particularly in Christian traditions, to show devotion or reverence.

• He performed a genuflection before the altar.
• The congregation was asked to participate in the genuflection during the ceremony.

Used to show deep respect or admiration for someone, often in a historical or ceremonial context.

• The town paid homage to the fallen soldiers with a memorial parade.
• The artisan crafted a statue as a homage to their late mentor.

Used in formal or ceremonial settings to indicate deep respect, often accompanied by a physical gesture like bowing.

• The soldiers showed obeisance to their commander as he walked by.
• In the ancient temple, the devotees performed obeisance to the deity.

Used in situations where following rules, standards, or requests is necessary, often in legal, technical, or organizational settings.

• The company must ensure compliance with the new data protection regulations.
• The patient's compliance with the treatment plan improved her health.

Used to indicate yielding or giving in to a superior force, authority, or demand. Can have a negative connotation, implying a lack of power or control.

• His submission to the dictator's rule was seen as an act of cowardice.
• The defeated army signaled their submission by laying down their weapons.

Used to show polite respect or submission to someone, often out of respect for their experience, status, or age.

• She showed deference to her elders by listening attentively and speaking respectfully.
• Out of deference to his mentor, he decided to follow the given advice.

Obeisance is usually used in formal contexts to show deep respect or submission, often by bowing or a similar gesture.

• The knight showed obeisance to the king by kneeling before him.
• The students gave obeisance to their teacher at the beginning of the ceremony.

Flattery is used in everyday language to describe excessive praise or compliments, often given to gain favor or make someone feel good.

• He used flattery to win over the client during the meeting.
• Flattery will get you nowhere if you don't have the skills to back it up.

Sycophancy carries a strongly negative connotation and is used to describe insincere praise and submissiveness aimed at gaining favor from someone in power.

• The court was filled with sycophancy, as everyone tried to win the king's favor.
• His sycophancy was apparent in every interaction, making him widely disliked among his peers.

Fawning has a negative connotation and is used to describe someone who is overly affectionate and submissive in order to gain favor or attention.

• The employee was constantly fawning over the boss, hoping for a promotion.
• Her fawning behavior was obvious to everyone, and it made them uncomfortable.