Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
obeisance
This term describes a physical or symbolic act of submission, carrying a heavy weight of formality and hierarchy. It evokes an image of lowering one's body or status to elevate another, often associated with royal courts, religious rituals, or strict military protocols. While it can refer to a literal bow, it frequently describes a psychological state of deference.
In modern usage, the word often appears in the phrase "pay obeisance," which can be used literally or ironically to describe someone who is overly flattering or subservient to a powerful figure. It differs from simple respect in that it implies a recognized gap in rank or power between the two parties.
Meanings
Examples
The knights knelt in obeisance before the king.
I must pay obeisance to the master of the house.
He refused to make any obeisance to the new regime.
The servants stood in silent obeisance as the guests arrived.
Why should I pay obeisance to someone who has done nothing for me?
The court officials performed a formal obeisance during the ceremony.
He pays constant obeisance to the CEO in hopes of a promotion.