Pronunciation: /ˈkɜrtsi/

Definitions of curtsy

noun a gesture of respect or politeness, typically involving bending the knees and lowering the body

Example Sentences

A1 She gave a curtsy before entering the room.

A2 The young girl performed a curtsy to show respect to her elders.

B1 As part of the traditional dance, the performers executed a graceful curtsy at the end of their routine.

B2 The queen received a curtsy from her subjects as a sign of loyalty and respect.

C1 Her curtsy was so elegant and refined that it impressed everyone in the audience.

C2 The ballerina's curtsy at the end of her performance was met with thunderous applause from the audience.

verb to perform a curtsy

Example Sentences

A1 She curtsied to the queen as a sign of respect.

A2 The young girl curtsied awkwardly at her ballet recital.

B1 In some cultures, it is customary to curtsy when meeting someone of higher status.

B2 The actress curtsied gracefully after receiving her award on stage.

C1 The royal protocol dictates that women must curtsy to members of the royal family.

C2 She curtsied elegantly at the state dinner, impressing all the guests with her poise.

Examples of curtsy in a Sentence

formal She executed a graceful curtsy before the queen.

informal She gave a little curtsy to thank the audience for their applause.

slang She did a quick curtsy as a gesture of respect.

figurative The new employee curtsied to the demands of her boss without question.

Grammatical Forms of curtsy

past tense

curtsied

plural

curtsies

comparative

more curtsy

superlative

most curtsy

present tense

curtsy

future tense

will curtsy

perfect tense

have curtsied

continuous tense

is curtsying

singular

curtsy

positive degree

curtsy

infinitive

to curtsy

gerund

curtsying

participle

curtsied

Origin and Evolution of curtsy

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Old French
Story behind the word: The word 'curtsy' originated as a contraction of the word 'courtesy', which comes from the Old French word 'corteis' meaning courteous or polite.
Evolution of the word: Originally used as a gesture of respect or politeness, the word 'curtsy' has evolved to specifically refer to a formal gesture of greeting or acknowledgment, typically performed by women by bending the knees and lowering the body slightly.