Genuflect | Definition, Meaning & Examples
Genuflect is a verb meaning “to bend your knee” (e.g., as an act of worship inside a Christian church).
It is also used figuratively to mean “pleasing someone in a way that shows a lack of respect for yourself.”
You’re going to have to genuflect before him if you want him to agree.
She is a genius who refuses to genuflect at the altar of convention.
Genuflect is split into three syllables with the stress on the first syllable: [jen-yoo-flekt]. The first two syllables are pronounced in the same way as in the word “genuine.”
Genuflection
Genuflection is a noun meaning the act of genuflecting (i.e., bending your knee as a sign of respect or worship).
It can also be used figuratively to describe an act of respect.
It is sometimes spelled “genuflexion,” especially in British English, but it is best to use the standard spelling genuflection in your formal and academic writing.
This painting is clearly an affectionate genuflection to the work of her mentor.
Other interesting articles
If you want to know more about citation, reasoning, or rhetoric, check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Reasoning
Frequently asked questions about genuflect
- What does genuflexion mean?
-
“Genuflexion” is an alternative spelling of the noun genuflection, especially in British English.
It is best to use the standard spelling genuflection in your formal and academic writing.
The Quillbot Paraphraser can help you vary your vocabulary to meet your needs.
