obeisance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "obeisance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a gesture of deep respect, such as a bow or curtsey. For example, "The royal subject showed his obeisance to the King as he entered the chamber".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If he lives and for all their theatrical obeisance, some of Chechnya's other strongmen loathe him, as do many Russian officers what more might he want Mr Putin, his partner and patron, is due to leave office in 2008.

The Economist

By contrast, Mr Kerry's notorious claim to have voted "for the $87 billion [Iraqi reconstruction bill] before I voted against it" was made in West Virginia.On top of all that, suggests Chris Stirewalt, the political editor of the Charleston Daily Mail, West Virginia's obeisance to authority may help Mr Bush slightly.

The Economist

The women pass through, to give obeisance to Bhitai's tomb.

The Economist

To date 48 African countries have paid due obeisance to Beijing Chad, Senegall and Liberia are the latest to have abandoned their recognition of Taiwan.

The Economist

And ruling over it like a theocratic despot, proclaiming the creed du jour, demanding obeisance, excommunicating heretics, was a dark-eyed chubby-faced writer called André Breton.

The Economist

Companies at every opportunity now pay elaborate obeisance to the principles of corporate social responsibility.

The Economist

The left should embrace democracy, human rights, the market economy and social reform and stop its obeisance to Cuba.

The Economist

If you already strongly believe that Barack Obama is a communist who hates America, bows in obeisance to the king of Saudi Arabia and the prime minister of Japan (hard to square with an affection for communism, but never mind), and "tried to take over the Internet", then it may be difficult to backtrack.

The Economist

He is proof, the argument goes, that the Andean countries will fall, like dominoes, into the grasp of anti-yanqui radical populists owing cash and obeisance to the drug trade and to Venezuela's Hugo Chávez.Yet Mr Humala is a very Peruvian phenomenon.

The Economist

Suddenly everyone parrots the need for spending cuts, like courtiers paying hurried obeisance to a new king.

The Economist

Soon after he seized power, General Musharraf went to Saudi Arabia, Islam's holiest land, to pay obeisance to King Fahd, only to be stunned by an intercession by Prince Abdullah to ask for clemency for Mr Sharif.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obeisance" when you want to emphasize a formal or ceremonial act of respect or submission. It often implies a power dynamic between the parties involved.

Common error

Avoid using "obeisance" in casual contexts where simpler terms like "respect" or "deference" would be more appropriate. "Obeisance" carries a weight of formality and submission that may be excessive in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "obeisance" is as a noun. It typically functions as the object of a verb (e.g., "pay obeisance") or as the subject of a sentence describing an act of respect. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage, demonstrating how it integrates into various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obeisance" is a noun denoting a formal act of respect or submission, frequently seen in News & Media and Encyclopedias contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage. While grammatically sound and frequently encountered, its formality suggests careful consideration of context, favoring simpler alternatives in casual settings. The phrase conveys a sense of deep respect and is used to indicate formal acknowledgement and compliance to a person or entity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act of deference

Focuses on the act of showing respect and consideration, often in a formal setting.

bow of respect

Highlights the physical gesture of bowing to convey respect.

show of reverence

Emphasizes deep respect and admiration, often in a religious context.

act of homage

Implies a formal acknowledgment of allegiance or respect, often historically significant.

gesture of submission

Focuses on the act of yielding or surrendering to another's authority.

paying respects

A more general phrase indicating an act of showing consideration or honor.

rendering honor

Highlights the act of bestowing respect and admiration.

demonstration of loyalty

Emphasizes allegiance and faithfulness to a person or cause.

display of subservience

Implies a more extreme form of submission or obedience.

capitulation

Highlights the act of surrendering or giving in to demands, often under pressure.

FAQs

How to use "obeisance" in a sentence?

You can use "obeisance" to describe a formal act of respect or submission, such as "The courtiers showed their obeisance to the Queen with deep bows".

What can I say instead of "obeisance"?

You can use alternatives like "act of deference", "bow of respect", or "show of reverence" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "obeisance" and "deference"?

"Obeisance" implies a more formal and often physical act of showing respect or submission, while "deference" is a more general term for respectful consideration of another's wishes or opinions.

Is "obeisance" an outdated term?

"Obeisance" is not necessarily outdated, but it is a formal term that is more common in historical or ceremonial contexts. In modern usage, it can add a sense of gravity or formality.