Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Showing an excessively deferential manner: Describes someone who is overly respectful or submissive in their posture or behavior.
   • Having legs that curve outward at the knees: Describes a physical condition where the legs are not straight but bend outward.
   • Forming or resembling an arch: Describes something that is curved or arched in shape.
   • Of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow: Describes the method of playing an instrument where a bow is drawn across the strings to produce sound.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The servant gave a bowed greeting to the king. (The servant showed deep respect with a bent posture.)
  • He has bowed legs from a childhood condition. (His legs curve outward at the knees.)
  • The room had a beautiful bowed ceiling. (The ceiling was shaped like an arch.)
  • The cello is a bowed string instrument. (The cello is played with a bow.)

Advanced Usage

• "bowed and scraped": To show excessive deference or flattery.
  • He bowed and scraped before the powerful executive, hoping for a favor.
• "bowed down": Weighed down by a burden, either physical or emotional.
  • She was bowed down with grief after the loss.
• "bowed string instrument": A formal term for instruments like the violin or cello that are played with a bow.
  • The orchestra's section of bowed string instruments sounded magnificent.

Variants and Related Words

• Bow (verb/noun): The action of bending forward at the waist as a sign of respect, or the tool used to play a stringed instrument.
  • The actor took a bow at the end of the play.
  • She tightened the hair on her violin bow.
• Bowing (noun/gerund): The technique or act of using a bow on a stringed instrument.
  • His bowing technique is very precise.

Synonyms

• Deferential: Showing respect and submission.
• Arched: Curved in shape.
• Curved: Having a bend that is not angular.
• Stringed: Having strings (often used in combination with how they are played, e.g., ).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Bow down (to): To submit or yield to someone or something.
  • He refused to bow down to the dictator's demands.
• Bow out: To withdraw or retire from a situation.
  • After the scandal, the senator decided to bow out of the race.

Related Idioms

• Bowed but not broken: Weakened or burdened but not defeated.
  • After the crisis, the community was bowed but not broken.
• Take a bow: To receive applause or recognition.
  • The director was asked to take a bow after the successful premiere.

Adjective

1. showing an excessively deferential manner
2. have legs that curve outward at the knees
3. forming or resembling an arch
   • an arched ceiling
4. of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow