Obeisance: meaning, definitions and examples
🙇
obeisance
[ əʊˈbeɪs(ə)ns ]
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.
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.
flattery
In a more negative sense, obeisance can mean excessive flattery or obsequious behavior towards someone in power.
Synonyms
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.