Pronunciation: /kaʊˈtaʊ/
noun a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
A1 In some cultures, people kowtow as a sign of respect.
A2 The act of kowtow is deeply rooted in traditional customs.
B1 During the ceremony, the emperor expected everyone to kowtow before him.
B2 The minister refused to kowtow to the demands of the foreign ambassador.
C1 The practice of kowtow has evolved over time but still holds significance in certain societies.
C2 Some view the act of kowtow as a symbol of submission rather than respect.
verb to act in an excessively subservient manner
A1 In some cultures, people kowtow to show respect to their elders.
A2 The servant was expected to kowtow to the king as a sign of submission.
B1 The employee refused to kowtow to her demanding boss.
B2 The politician was criticized for constantly kowtowing to special interest groups.
C1 The CEO made it clear that he would not kowtow to the demands of the shareholders.
C2 Despite his power and influence, the dictator still expected everyone to kowtow to him.
formal The ambassador was expected to kowtow to the king as a sign of respect.
informal I refuse to kowtow to unreasonable demands from my boss.
slang Don't kowtow to anyone just to fit in.
figurative She refused to kowtow to societal norms and lived life on her own terms.
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