formal bow
Respectful waist inclination
A formal bow is a deliberate bending at the waist as a gesture of respect, greeting, or acknowledgment in ceremonial contexts.
Unlike a casual nod, a formal bow follows cultural conventions about depth and duration—deeper bows typically signal greater deference.
Common in diplomatic settings, religious ceremonies, martial arts, and theatrical performances: The conductor acknowledged the applause with a formal bow.
- curtsyRespectful knee-bending gesture
- reverenceProfound admiring respect
- kowtowExcessive deference shown physically
- bend the kneeCeremonial act of submission
- genuflectBend knee reverently
nod · salute · greeting · respect · ceremony · etiquette · waist · deep · sweep the floor · Japanese · court · protocol · receiving line · acknowledge · honor · deference · humble · audience
- bowslongbow, shortbow, crossbow, flatbow, English longbow
- Masqueradesmasquerade, masquerade ball, masquerade balls, masquerade mask, masquerade masks
- royal customscurtsying, curtsy, coronation, knighting, fealty
formal bowsnub
Deliberate dismissive rejection
turning one's back · dismissive wave · middle finger · looking away · eye roll
formal bowstanding tall
Remaining proudly upright
upright posture · head held high · standing at attention · chest out · chin up
formal, bow, form, forms, formed, forming, formless, formally, formality