Obeisance
Word of the Day
What is Obeisance?
noun
Deferential respect; a gesture expressing such respect (like a bow).
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to explore how cultures encode honor and hierarchy through posture and ceremony.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
Courtiers performed obeisance as the queen entered.
He paid obeisance to tradition in his speech.
The ritual requires a deep obeisance toward the altar.
Word Origins
Old French obeïssance “obedience,” from Latin obedire “to obey”
In English it narrowed from obedience to the act/gesture of respectful homage.
First appearance in English: 14th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Noun:
They paid homage at the memorial.
-
Noun:
She showed reverence in the sanctuary.
-
Noun:
He spoke with deference to his mentor.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: obediencia reverente / reverencia
- French: obéissance / révérence
- German: Huldigung / Ehrfurchtsbezeigung
- Italian: ossequio / riverenza
- Portuguese: obediência reverente / reverência
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Homage
Public honor; “obeisance” is the physical gesture.
Genuflection
Specifically bending a knee; “obeisance” is broader.
Obedience
Following orders; “obeisance” is respectful display.
Fun Facts
- “Obeisance” and “obedience” share roots but diverged in English usage.
- In Japan, bow depth signals gradations of obeisance.
Cultural Usage
- Gestures of obeisance vary across royal and religious courts.
- Epics depict warriors offering obeisance to gods and kings.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes confused with “obedience”; “obeisance” is the show of respect, not submission.
Micro Story
They made obeisance before the new monarch.