What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bowing
Example
He bowed to the audience after his performance. [bowing: verb]
Example
The students practiced bowing to their teacher as a sign of respect. [bowing: gerund or present participle]
curtsy
Example
She curtsied before the queen as a sign of respect. [curtsied: past tense]
Example
The little girl learned how to curtsy during her ballet class. [curtsy: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bowing is more commonly used than curtsy in everyday language and is practiced in many cultures worldwide. Curtsy is less common and is mainly prevalent in Western cultures, particularly in formal settings or when interacting with royalty.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bowing and curtsy?
While bowing is generally considered less formal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, curtsy is typically reserved for more ceremonial or official occasions and is associated with a higher level of formality.
