verb · B2

Bow

BOW/baʊ/

To bow (/baʊ/) is to bend the head or upper body forwards as a sign of respect or greeting: bow to; take a bow. As a noun, that movement — not the /bəʊ/ weapon or ribbon. The envoy bowed in the source; still name the court and the year. Mix-up: bow vs bough; /bəʊ/ (arrow or knot); do not write bow for a handshake.

Meaning

To bend the head or upper body forwards as a sign of respect or greeting.

Examples

“The envoy bowed in the source; still name the court and the year, the history paper said.”
“The cast took a bow, which is the theatre sense — still name the play if given.”

Good to know

bow to; take a bow; a bow (/baʊ/). Contrast: /bəʊ/ weapon or ribbon. Close: nod / curtsey. Trap: bough / a handshake. History, drama, and RS. Bend as respect — name the court or the play.

Near in meaning

incline, nod, salaam

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