Kowtow Meaning for Exams
The **kowtow** is a noun or verb describing acting submissively to authority. Learn its meaning, history, and usage to improve your vocabulary for competitive exams.
Kowtow is a term that originates from the Cantonese word 'koutou', literally meaning 'knock head'. It refers to the act of showing great respect by kneeling down and bowing so low that one's forehead touches the ground.
Introduction & Concept Overview
The concept of kowtow has its roots in Ancient China, where it was a custom to show absolute respect to the Emperor. Over time, the term has evolved to describe anyone who acts weak, fearful, or overly obedient around authority figures.
Complete List of Synonyms and Antonyms
The following table lists the synonyms and antonyms of kowtow:
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Grovel | Act in an obsequious way | The employee groveled to his boss to get a raise. |
| Fawn | Display exaggerated flattery | The fan fawned over the celebrity at the meet-and-greet. |
| Bow | Bend the upper body forward as a sign of respect | The guest bowed to the host as a sign of gratitude. |
| Defer | Submit humbly to a person's wishes | The team captain deferred to the coach's decision. |
| Defy | Openly resist or refuse to obey | The activist defied the government's orders to protest. |
| Resist | Fight against something | The community resisted the proposal to build a new factory. |
| Oppose | Actively compete against or disagree | The opposition party opposed the new policy. |
| Confront | Face a challenge or a hostile person directly | The manager confronted the employee about their performance. |
Key Facts & Figures to Memorize
- The term kowtow originated from the Cantonese word 'koutou'.
- It was a custom in Ancient China to show respect to the Emperor.
- The term has evolved to describe acting submissively to authority figures.
- Kowtow can be used as a noun or a verb.
Memory Tricks & Mnemonics
To remember the meaning of kowtow, you can use the phrase 'Knock Out Wisdom To Obey Willingly'. This phrase helps to associate the term with the act of showing respect and obedience.
Frequently Asked in Exams
- Kowtow is often asked in vocabulary sections of competitive exams.
- It is essential to understand the context and usage of the term to answer questions correctly.
- Practice using kowtow in sentences to improve your language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of kowtow?
A: Kowtow is a term that describes acting submissively or showing great respect to authority figures. It can be used as a noun or a verb.
Q: Where did the term kowtow originate?
A: The term kowtow originated from the Cantonese word 'koutou', which literally means 'knock head'. It was a custom in Ancient China to show respect to the Emperor.
Q: How can I use kowtow in a sentence?
A: You can use kowtow in a sentence to describe someone who is acting submissively or showing great respect to authority figures. For example, 'The employee refused to kowtow to the boss's demands.',
Tags
Comments / टिप्पणियां (0)
Please sign in with Google to post a comment.