Obeisant

Obeisant describes a posture or attitude of deference, respect, or submission. It signifies a willingness to comply with the wishes or commands of another, often indicating a humble and subservient demeanor. It implies a conscious acknowledgment of superior status or authority, manifested in actions or expressions. The word often carries connotations of politeness and respect, though it can sometimes suggest excessive or insincere subservience. It stems from the Old French word 'obeïssant', meaning 'obeying,' reflecting its core meaning of yielding and deference. Think of someone bowing deeply before royalty, or a subordinate responding respectfully to their superior. The key is the demonstrable display of respect or compliance, often in a social hierarchy.

Obeisant meaning with examples

• The knight, in full armor, knelt before the king, his posture a textbook example of an obeisant subject, displaying utter loyalty and deference to his liege lord. His bowed head and lowered gaze were deliberate acts, signaling his readiness to serve and obey the royal commands without question. The scene was a powerful display of feudal hierarchy, emphasizing the knight's obligation to his sovereign.
• During the negotiations, the junior diplomat adopted an obeisant tone, carefully listening and nodding attentively to the lead negotiator's pronouncements. His subservient attitude was meant to signal his respect for the senior diplomat's experience and his readiness to absorb the senior's wisdom. It was a tactic meant to ease tensions and demonstrate cooperation.
• The new employee, eager to impress his superiors, adopted an obeisant approach in all his interactions, readily agreeing with their suggestions and volunteering for any task assigned, regardless of its difficulty. His attempts at deference stemmed from a desire to show respect and gain their approval, though his actions sometimes appeared overly enthusiastic.
• In many traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, guests are expected to perform obeisant gestures and movements to show respect to both the host and the ritual itself. This includes bowing, specific hand placements, and observing proper etiquette. The meticulously choreographed actions are considered fundamental aspects of the ceremony, reflecting a deep sense of respect.
• The political strategist instructed the candidate to offer an obeisant response during the televised debate, avoiding direct confrontation and framing his answers in a way that acknowledged the opponent's viewpoints. This strategy aimed to project an image of respect and avoid being perceived as aggressive or arrogant by the voters.