kotow Synonyms
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
kotow Meaning
kotow (n)
a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
kotow (v)
try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
kotow (n.)
The prostration made by mandarins and others to their superiors, either as homage or worship, by knocking the forehead on the ground. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings.
kotow (v. i.)
To perform the kotow.
kotow Sentence Examples
- Ancient Chinese subjects were required to kotow to their emperor as a sign of respect.
- The Chinese scholar Wang Yangming believed that kotowing to the emperor was a form of self-abasement.
- Kotow was often used as a diplomatic gesture, with foreign emissaries kotowing to the Chinese emperor.
- The practice of kotow was sometimes controversial, with some people arguing that it was too demeaning.
- In the 19th century, the British government refused to kotow to the Chinese emperor, which led to the outbreak of the Opium Wars.
- The practice of kotow eventually died out, as China became a more modern and egalitarian society.
- Today, kotow is still sometimes used as a humorous or ironic gesture, especially in the context of international relations.
- Some people argue that kotow is a form of cultural imperialism, and should not be practiced by non-Chinese people.
- Others argue that kotow is a harmless custom that can be used to show respect for a foreign culture.
- Ultimately, whether or not to kotow is a personal decision for each individual.
FAQs About the word kotow
a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission, try to gain favor by cringing or flatteringThe prostration
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
Ancient Chinese subjects were required to kotow to their emperor as a sign of respect.
The Chinese scholar Wang Yangming believed that kotowing to the emperor was a form of self-abasement.
Kotow was often used as a diplomatic gesture, with foreign emissaries kotowing to the Chinese emperor.
The practice of kotow was sometimes controversial, with some people arguing that it was too demeaning.
