obeisance
Bow showing respect
Obeisance is a gesture of respect or submission—a bow, curtsy, or similar physical acknowledgment of someone's authority or status: The courtiers made obeisance to the king.
The word extends to any deferential act or expression of homage: paying obeisance to tradition.
It sounds formal and slightly archaic, often appearing in historical or ceremonial contexts.
Utter physical or mental depletion
- genuflectionKnee-bending act of reverence
- kneelingLowering onto bent legs
- bowingBending forward in deference
- kowtowExcessive deference shown physically
curtsy · salaam · fealty · allegiance · surrender · acquiescence · compliance · subservience
Expression of goodwill
- bowRespectful forward inclination
- curtsyRespectful knee-bending gesture
- nodBrief head tilt
- salaamRespectful Eastern bow
namaste · kowtow · genuflection · handshake · acknowledgment · welcome · address · reception
Profound admiring respect
- homageExpression of deep respect
- tributeOffering of respect
- adorationProfound loving regard
- worshipReligious reverence and praise
devotion · respect · esteem · honor · admiration · exaltation · glorification · idolization
Formal event marking occasions
- liturgyFormal worship structure
- riteCeremonial act or practice
- sacramentSacred ritual conveying grace
- processionFormal moving line
offering · pilgrimage · worship · observance · benediction · genuflection · prostration · altar
prostration
Utter physical or mental depletion
- genuflectionKnee-bending act of reverence
- kneelingLowering onto bent legs
- bowingBending forward in deference
kowtow · curtsy · salaam · fealty · allegiance · surrender · acquiescence · compliance · subservience · docility
salutation
Expression of goodwill
salaam · namaste · kowtow · genuflection · handshake · acknowledgment · welcome · address · reception · introduction
veneration
Profound admiring respect
worship · devotion · respect · esteem · honor · admiration · exaltation · glorification · idolization · piety
ceremony
Formal event marking occasions
procession · offering · pilgrimage · worship · observance · benediction · genuflection · prostration · altar · incense
- courtly gesturesbow, curtsy, genuflection, kneeling, hand kiss
- royal customsbowing, curtsying, curtsy, coronation, knighting
- venerationvenerate, revere, reverence, glorify, exalt
- worship actspraying, kneeling, prostration, genuflection, bowing
- deferencedeference, bow, curtsy, genuflect, kneeling
- submissionsubmission hold, submitting, surrendering, capitulation, yielding
obeisancedefiance
Open resistance to authority
disrespect · contempt · insolence · insubordination · disregard
obeisancestanding tall
Remaining proudly upright
raised fist · turning one's back · spitting · glaring · chest-puffing
obeisancedefiance
Open resistance to authority
disobedience · rebellion · insubordination · resistance · insolence