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Obeisance: meaning, definitions and examples

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obeisance

 

[ əʊˈbeɪs(ə)ns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

showing respect

Obeisance is a gesture of respect, such as a bow or curtsy, that shows reverence or submission to someone or something.

Synonyms

bow, curtsy, genuflection, homage

Examples of usage

  • He made an obeisance before the king.
  • She performed a deep obeisance to the ancient statue.
  • The knights paid obeisance to their queen before battle.
Context #2 | Noun

submission

Obeisance can also refer to the act of submitting or yielding to a higher authority or power.

Synonyms

compliance, deference, submission

Examples of usage

  • The company's obeisance to the new regulations was evident in their swift compliance.
  • Her obeisance to the rules of the community earned her respect.
Context #3 | Noun

flattery

In a more negative sense, obeisance can mean excessive flattery or obsequious behavior towards someone in power.

Synonyms

fawning, flattery, sycophancy

Examples of usage

  • He was tired of the constant obeisance from his subordinates.
  • Her obeisance to the CEO bordered on sycophancy.

Translations

Translations of the word "obeisance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reverência

🇮🇳 श्रद्धा

🇩🇪 Ehrerbietung

🇮🇩 penghormatan

🇺🇦 поклоніння

🇵🇱 hołd

🇯🇵 敬礼 (けいれい)

🇫🇷 révérence

🇪🇸 reverencia

🇹🇷 hürmet

🇰🇷 경의 (敬意)

🇸🇦 إجلال

🇨🇿 úcta

🇸🇰 úcta

🇨🇳 敬意 (jìngyì)

🇸🇮 spoštovanje

🇮🇸 virðing

🇰🇿 құрмет

🇬🇪 პატივისცემა

🇦🇿 hörmət

🇲🇽 reverencia

Word origin

The word "obeisance" originated in the late 14th century from the Old French word "obeissance", meaning obedience or submission. It was derived from the Latin word "obedientia". Over time, it evolved to encompass gestures of respect and homage, reflecting the cultural practices of deference and reverence. The concept of obeisance has been prevalent in various societies and civilizations as a symbol of respect and acknowledgment of authority.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,095, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.