Obeisance
Noun
UK
/əˈbeɪ.səns/
US
/oʊˈbeɪ.səns/
Definition
Respect, honor, or a gesture showing admiration.
Example
"They showed obeisance to the king."
"The students bowed in obeisance when the principal entered the hall for the ceremony."
"Writers often show obeisance to famous authors by following their style or acknowledging their influence."
Explanation
Obeisance means showing respect or honour to someone, often with a gesture like bowing or nodding. It is used in formal, polite, or traditional contexts. For example, when meeting a king or elder in some cultures, people may bow to show obeisance. It can also be used metaphorically, meaning showing respect to ideas, traditions, or authority. This word emphasises polite acknowledgment and recognition rather than casual politeness.