How Do You Spell CURTSY?

Pronunciation: [kˈɜːtsi] (IPA)

The word "curtsy", defined as a formal gesture of respect or courtesy made by women, is spelled with a "c" and a "y". The IPA transcription for this word is /ˈkɜːtsi/. The "c" is pronounced as a voiceless velar plosive (/k/), while the "u" is pronounced as a near-close near-back rounded vowel (/ɜː/). The "r" is pronounced as an alveolar trill (/r/), and the "t" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar plosive (/t/). Finally, the "s" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative (/s/) and the "y" as a consonant /j/.

CURTSY Meaning and Definition

  1. Curtsy is a noun and a verb that refers to a formal and polite gesture of respect, primarily made by women. As a gesture, it involves bending the knees and lowering the body slightly while usually placing one foot behind the other, typically accompanied by a slight inclination of the head.

    In social settings, such as formal events, receptions, or royal courts, a curtsy is often performed by women to show deference or reverence to a superior or someone deserving of respect, such as royalty, esteemed guests, or elders. It is considered a mark of politeness, grace, and proper etiquette in many cultures and social environments.

    The curtsy is characterized by its elegant and subtle nature, aiming to convey respect without appearing subservient. The duration and depth of the curtsy can vary depending on the specific context, cultural norms, and personal preferences. The gesture is often accompanied by a smile, maintaining eye contact, and sometimes by placing one's hands in a specific position, such as clasping them in front or draping them on the side of the body.

    Historically, curtsying was also used as a symbolic way to demonstrate loyalty and submission to rulers or nobility. However, in modern times, it has mostly evolved into a traditional display of respect and courtesy that is upheld in certain formal situations.

  2. A woman's or girl's act of reverence or respect; a woman's salutation of respect by slightly bending the knees and inclining the body forwards.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CURTSY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CURTSY

Etymology of CURTSY

The word "curtsy" has its origins in Middle English and comes from the Old French term "courtesie", which meant "a mark of respect". The Old French term was derived from the Latin word "cortesia", meaning "courtesy" or "behavior befitting a court". The word "courtesy" originally referred to the behavior or manners associated with the courtly culture and the nobility. Over time, "curtsy" specifically came to denote the act of a woman or girl bending her knees and lowering her body slightly in a gesture of respect or deference, particularly when greeting or showing respect to someone of higher social status.

Idioms with the word CURTSY

  • curtsy to sm The idiom "curtsy to someone" means to show deference, respect, or submission towards a person, usually someone in a position of authority or power. It originates from the traditional act of curtsying, which involves a slight bending of the knees and a gesture of respect performed by women, particularly in royal or formal settings. In a figurative sense, "curtsy to someone" implies acknowledging the superiority or hierarchy of another person and behaving subserviently towards them.
  • curtsy to (one) The idiom "curtsy to (one)" refers to showing respect, admiration, or deference towards someone or submitting to their authority or demands. It implies acknowledging their superiority or position of power and often involves behaving obediently or submissively. This idiom is symbolic of performing a curtsy, which is a formal gesture of respect usually done by women or girls, involving bending the knees and lowering the body briefly.
  • curtsy to someone The idiom "curtsy to someone" means to show respect, deference, or submission to a person of higher authority or social status, often by making a formal and respectful gesture, such as a curtsy. It can also refer to acknowledging someone's superiority or giving them special treatment.

Similar spelling words for CURTSY

Plural form of CURTSY is CURTSEYS OR CURTSIES

Conjugate verb Curtsy

CONDITIONAL

I would curtsy
you would curtsy
he/she/it would curtsy
we would curtsy
they would curtsy

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be curtsying
you would be curtsying
he/she/it would be curtsying
we would be curtsying
they would be curtsying

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have curtsy
you would have curtsy
he/she/it would have curtsy
we would have curtsy
they would have curtsy

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been curtsying
you would have been curtsying
he/she/it would have been curtsying
we would have been curtsying
they would have been curtsying

FUTURE

I will curtsy
you will curtsy
he/she/it will curtsy
we will curtsy
they will curtsy

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be curtsying
you will be curtsying
he/she/it will be curtsying
we will be curtsying
they will be curtsying

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have curtsied
you will have curtsied
he/she/it will have curtsied
we will have curtsied
they will have curtsied

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been curtsying
you will have been curtsying
he/she/it will have been curtsying
we will have been curtsying
they will have been curtsying

IMPERATIVE

you curtsy
we let´s curtsy

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to curtsy

PAST

I curtsied
you curtsied
he/she/it curtsied
we curtsied
they curtsied

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was curtsying
you were curtsying
he/she/it was curtsying
we were curtsying
they were curtsying

PAST PARTICIPLE

curtsied

PAST PERFECT

I had curtsied
you had curtsied
he/she/it had curtsied
we had curtsied
they had curtsied

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been curtsying
you had been curtsying
he/she/it had been curtsying
we had been curtsying
they had been curtsying

PRESENT

I curtsy
you curtsy
he/she/it curtsies
we curtsy
they curtsy

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am curtsying
you are curtsying
he/she/it is curtsying
we are curtsying
they are curtsying

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

curtsying

PRESENT PERFECT

I have curtsied
you have curtsied
he/she/it has curtsied
we have curtsied
they have curtsied

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been curtsying
you have been curtsying
he/she/it has been curtsying
we have been curtsying
they have been curtsying
I would have curtsied
we would have curtsied
you would have curtsied
he/she/it would have curtsied
they would have curtsied

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