ceremonial bow

Respectful dipping gesture

A ceremonial bow is a formal gesture of respect, greeting, or reverence performed on ritual occasions.

The depth and duration often signal the degree of deference—a slight nod versus a deep bow from the waist.

Ceremonial bows appear in court protocols, religious services, martial arts, and diplomatic encounters: The ambassador made a ceremonial bow before the emperor.

curtsyRespectful knee-bending gesture
kowtowExcessive deference shown physically
genuflectBend knee reverently
reverenceProfound admiring respect
kneelBend legs to ground

prostrate · honor · respect · deference · greeting · nod · incline · obeisance · formal · ritual · court · royalty · emperor · samurai · martial · archery · ribbon · gesture

Opposites

formality of greeting gesture

ceremonial bowchin lift

Airway clearance technique

wave · fist bump · high five · thumbs up · head nod

respect vs. disrespect gesture

ceremonial bowmiddle finger

Hand's central, longest digit

spit · turning one's back · snub · dismissive wave · eye roll

submission vs. dominance display

ceremonial bowstanding tall

Remaining proudly upright

looking down on · power pose · lording over · towering over

Family

ceremonial, bow, ceremony, ceremonies, ceremonially, ceremonious, ceremoniously, ceremoniousness, bows

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G