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Genuflect vs Kowtow - What's the difference?

genuflect | kowtow |

In intransitive terms the difference between genuflect and kowtow

is that genuflect is to behave in a servile manner; to grovel while kowtow is to bow very deeply.

As a noun kowtow is

the act of kowtowing.

genuflect

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To bend the knee, as in servitude or worship
  • To behave in a servile manner; to grovel.

    • Quotations

    * 1913 — (Adrian Fortescue), " *: At high Mass the deacon and subdeacon stand on either side, genuflect too, and answer. * 1965 — (Tom Lehrer), The Vatican Rag *: First you get down on your knees, fiddle with your rosaries,
    Bow your head with great respect and genuflect', '''genuflect''', ' genuflect .

    Related terms

    * genuflection * genuflector

    kowtow

    English

    Alternative forms

    * kotow

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.
  • To bow very deeply.
  • (figuratively) To act in a very submissive manner.

    • Noun

    (en noun)
  • The act of kowtowing.

    • See also

    * prostrate