obeisance — a gesture expressing deferential respect, such as a bow or curtsy
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a gesture expressing deferential respect, such as a bow or curtsy
Pronunciation (IPA): /oʊˈbeɪsəns/
Example Sentences
- The cat made what looked like obeisance before knocking the vase off the table anyway.
- Students pay obeisance to their teachers on Teacher's Day.
- The diplomat's elaborate obeisance impressed everyone except his back, which complained for days.
obeisance
NOUN[/oʊˈbeɪsəns/]
a gesture expressing deferential respect, such as a bow or curtsy
Servant bowing respectfully to the king
In the renaissance, show deep obeisance!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'obeissance', derived from Latin 'obedience' (obedire, meaning 'to obey'). The word entered English through Norman French and originally referred to the act of obeying, later evolving to mean a respectful gesture or gesture of submission.
Breakdown
ob- (toward) + audire (to hear/obey) + -ance (noun suffix indicating action or state) = obeisance
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The cat made what looked like obeisance before knocking the vase off the table anyway.”
“Students pay obeisance to their teachers on Teacher's Day.”
“The diplomat's elaborate obeisance impressed everyone except his back, which complained for days.”
“The ancient ceremony required participants to make obeisance to the statue.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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