Obeisant: meaning, definitions and examples
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obeisant
[ əˈbeɪ.sənt ]
showing respect
Obeisant describes a manner of showing respect or deference towards someone. It often implies a submissive attitude, suggesting that a person is willing to yield to another's authority or wishes.
Synonyms
deferential, humble, respectful, submissive
Examples of usage
- He gave an obeisant bow to his superior.
- The dog was obeisant, sitting quietly at its owner's feet.
- In the meeting, she was obeisant, carefully listening to the CEO's directives.
Translations
Translations of the word "obeisant" in other languages:
🇵🇹 obeisante
🇮🇳 नम्र
🇩🇪 gehorsam
🇮🇩 tunduk
🇺🇦 покірний
🇵🇱 uległy
🇯🇵 従順な
🇫🇷 obéissant
🇪🇸 obediente
🇹🇷 itaatkâr
🇰🇷 복종하는
🇸🇦 مطيع
🇨🇿 pokorný
🇸🇰 pokorný
🇨🇳 顺从的
🇸🇮 pokoren
🇮🇸 hlýðinn
🇰🇿 бағынғыш
🇬🇪 მორჩილი
🇦🇿 itaətkar
🇲🇽 obediente
Etymology
The word 'obeisant' originates from the Middle English term 'obeisant', which is related to the verb 'obeir', meaning 'to obey'. This, in turn, comes from the Old French 'obeissant', the present participle of 'obeir' (to obey). The root can be traced further back to the Latin 'obedīre', which breaks down into 'ob-' (meaning 'to' or 'toward') and 'audīre' (meaning 'to hear'). Thus, the etymology reflects a sense of listening attentively to authority. Over time, 'obeisant' evolved in English usage to signify not just obedience but also a form of respectful submission. It is used to describe individuals who exhibit a posture or demeanor that conveys respect, humility, or veneration towards others, especially in hierarchical contexts.