Obeisance Meaning and Examples

"Obeisance" means an act of respect, submission, or homage that is typically demonstrated through gestures like bowing. It can also encompass other forms of showing respect, such as words or actions that acknowledge a higher authority or show reverence. Obeisance is often associated with formal rituals or displays of respect, especially in religious, ceremonial, or hierarchical contexts.

For example, you can make obeisances at the altar of your ancestors to show your respect. Knights in the medieval era paid their obeisances to royalty by bowing or kneeling.

"Obeisance" also can mean the acknowledgment of another's superiority or importance, like how pupils would pay obeisance to their mentors. Sports players could also make obeisances to their coach.

Example sentences

The subjects of the kingdom paid obeisance to their ruler by bowing in front of the throne.
During the ceremony, attendees showed their obeisance by kneeling and placing their hands over their hearts.
The ancient custom required visitors to offer obeisance to the temple's deity before entering.
The tradition of performing obeisance to elders is deeply ingrained in their culture.
In some cultures, obeisance is a fundamental part of formal greetings and introductions.
The monks performed a ritual obeisance before the sacred statue, demonstrating their devotion.
The tradition of bowing as a sign of obeisance has been passed down through generations.
The attendees of the event paid obeisance to the flag by standing at attention during the national anthem.
Obeisance is often observed in religious settings as a mark of reverence for higher powers.
The servants displayed their obeisance by maintaining a respectful distance and using formal language.

Want to sound like a native speaker?

Engram’s AI-powered grammar checker makes your English sound like a native speaker’s, suggesting natural English expressions on top of fixing grammar, spelling, punctuation, word order, and vocabulary.