Obeisant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
obeisant
[ษหbeษช.sษnt ]
Definition
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
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Interesting Facts
History
- In feudal societies, subjects would often adopt an obeisant posture to show loyalty to their lords.
- Historical documents from the Renaissance period reveal formal practices of obeisance during court ceremonies.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, bowing is a traditional form of obeisance, such as in Japan, where bowing reflects social hierarchy.
- Obeisance is seen in various religions, where devotees express respect through physical gestures like prostration or kneeling.
Literature
- The term often appears in literary works to describe characters showing respect or submission, especially in historical or fantasy genres.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters frequently exhibit obeisance as a way to demonstrate fealty to kings or figures of authority.
Psychology
- Psychological studies show that the act of physically bowing or kneeling can actually strengthen feelings of respect and submission.
- Obedient behavior can be encouraged by social norms, which dictate respectful actions towards authority figures.
Origin of 'obeisant'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Old French word 'obeissant', meaning 'to obey'.
- Roots trace back to the Latin 'obedire', which combines 'ob-' (to) and 'audire' (to hear), highlighting the importance of listening to authority.
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 'obedฤซre', which breaks down into 'ob-' (meaning 'to' or 'toward') and 'audฤซre' (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.