What Does The Word Kowtow Mean?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Kowtow, also spelled kotow, Chinese (Pinyin) keitou or (Wade-Giles romanization) k’o-t’ou, in traditional China, the act of supplication made by an inferior to his superior by kneeling and knocking his head to the floor.

Is it cow down or kowtow?

You can tow a cow to water, but you can’t make it drink. But the word that means bowing worshipfully before someone comes from the Chinese words for knocking one’s head on the ground, and is spelled kowtow .

What was kowtow in China?

Kowtow, also spelled kotow, Chinese (Pinyin) keitou or (Wade-Giles romanization) k’o-t’ou, in traditional China, the act of supplication made by an inferior to his superior by kneeling and knocking his head to the floor.

How do you use kowtow in a sentence?

  1. The dictator beheaded the man who refused to kowtow to him by kissing his feet.
  2. If Jason does not kowtow to the boss, he will never get a promotion at work.
  3. My chauvinistic husband divorced me because I would not kowtow to his every whim.

What is the synonym of kowtow?

1’they kowtow to her in awe and reverence’ prostrate oneself, bow , bow down before, genuflect, do obeisance, make obeisance, fall on one’s knees before, get down on one’s knees before, kneel before. salaam, throw oneself at someone’s feet, fall down before someone, curtsy, bow and scrape.

Why do Chinese kneel?

Kowtow, which is borrowed from kau tau in Cantonese Chinese (koutou in Mandarin), is the act of deep respect shown by prostration, that is, kneeling and bowing so low as to have one’s head touching the ground. In Sinospheric culture, the kowtow is the highest sign of reverence.

Why do Chinese Bow 3 times at funeral?

Every Chinese celebration is accompanied by copious amounts of yellow incense. Each person takes 3 (or 1, or 7, or 9, just make sure it’s an odd number <10) incense sticks (also called joss sticks) and bows three times to the ancestor/ deceased, then places it upright into a large urn made for this purpose.

Is kowtow a real word?

Kowtow originated as a noun referring to the act of kneeling and touching one’s head to the ground as a salute or act of worship to a revered authority.

How do you pronounce kowtow clothing?

Kowtow is pronounced “Ko – Toe” as opposed to “Cow – Tow”. What does Kowtow mean?

What is a sentence for imperious?

Imperious Sentence Examples

The imperious manner of Andros made him many enemies. Though clever and good-looking, she was self-willed and imperious, and without the conciliatory manners which her difficult position required.

What was the kowtow quizlet?

Kowtow, which is borrowed from kau tau in Cantonese (koutou in Mandarin Chinese), is the act of deep respect shown by prostration , that is, kneeling and bowing so low as to have one’s head touching the ground.

How do you use unctuous in a sentence?

  1. His impression of the president was unctuous and poorly done.
  2. Nicky’s unctuous demeanor got on everyone’s nerves.
  3. Turned off by the unctuous compliments, the woman turned down the man’s offer of a drink. ...
  4. His unctuous hand gestures let everyone know he was upset about the encounter.

What is the meaning of kowtow in Urdu?

1) kowtow. Verb. Try to gain favor by cringing or flattering . She is always kowtowing to her boss. خوشامد کرنا

What does lying prostrate mean?

1 : stretched out with face on the ground in adoration or submission also : lying flat. 2 : completely overcome and lacking vitality, will, or power to rise was prostrate from the heat. 3 : trailing on the ground : procumbent prostrate shrubs.

What is a antonym for lexicon?

Antonyms. abridged ability inability artificial language natural language .

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.