curtsy - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

curtsy

|curt-sy|

🇺🇸

/ˈkɜːrtsi/

🇬🇧

/ˈkɜːtsi/

gesture of respect

Etymology

Etymology Information

'curtsy' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'curteisie,' where 'curteisie' meant 'courtesy or politeness.'

Historical Evolution

'curteisie' transformed into the modern English word 'curtsy' through phonetic changes over time.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'courtesy or politeness,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a gesture of respect.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a gesture of respect or reverence, typically made by women, consisting of a slight bending of the knees and lowering of the body.

She gave a curtsy to the queen.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to perform a curtsy.

She curtsied gracefully before leaving the stage.

Synonyms

Examples

Last updated: 2025/03/30 08:30