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- Dictionarykowtow/ˌkaʊˈtaʊ/
verb
- 1. act in an excessively subservient manner: "she didn't have to kowtow to a boss" Similar
- 2. kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission as part of Chinese custom. historical Similar
noun
- 1. an act of kowtowing as part of Chinese custom. historical
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Kowtow is a verb or noun that means to show respect by kneeling and bowing, especially in the past in China. It can also mean to do what someone in authority wants too much. See how to use kowtow in sentences and compare it with bow.
- Kowtow
to show respect by going down into a position where your...
- Kowtow
Kowtow is a verb meaning to show obsequious deference or to kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in token of homage, worship, or deep respect. It comes from Chinese kòutóu, formed by combining the verb kou ("to knock") with the noun tou ("head").
Kowtow is a verb that means to show respect by kneeling and bowing, or to do what someone in authority wants. It can also be a noun that means this action or attitude. Learn how to use kowtow in sentences and see its synonyms and translations.
Kowtow, which describes the act of kneeling and touching one’s head to the ground to show respect, used to be a custom in Chinese culture. Now it refers to acting like you're doing that, whether you actually bow or not.
Kowtow is a verb that means to touch the forehead to the ground as a sign of deference, or to be servile or obsequious towards someone in authority. It comes from Chinese k'o t'ou, meaning to strike or knock the head.
to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference. to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc., especially in former Chinese custom.
Kowtow is a verb that means to kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in expression of deep respect, worship, or submission, or to show servile deference. It comes from Chinese kòu tóu, meaning to strike or knock the head. See synonyms, translations, and usage examples.