curtsy Definition
- 1a respectful gesture made by women and girls, consisting of bending the knees and lowering the body
- 2to perform a curtsy
Using curtsy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "curtsy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She curtsied to the queen.
Example
The little girl curtsied before her dance recital.
Example
The ballerina curtsied at the end of her performance.
curtsy Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for curtsy
- disrespect
- rudeness
Phrases with curtsy
Example
The performer took a curtsy after receiving a standing ovation.
Example
The young girl gave a curtsy to her dance instructor after her recital.
a curtsy that is performed with a deeper bend of the knees and lower bow of the body, often used to show extra respect or formality
Example
The bridesmaids performed a deep curtsy as the bride walked down the aisle.
Origins of curtsy
from Middle English 'courtesy', meaning 'courtliness'
Summary: curtsy in Brief
A 'curtsy' [ˈkɜːtsi] is a respectful gesture made by women and girls, consisting of bending the knees and lowering the body. It is often used to show respect or acknowledgement, as in 'She curtsied to the queen.' 'Curtsy' can be used as a verb, as in 'The little girl curtsied before her dance recital.' Phrases like 'take a curtsy' and 'give a curtsy' refer to performing the gesture, while 'deep curtsy' denotes a more formal or respectful version.