bow

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a knot with two loops used for decoration or to tie shoelaces.

n. a decorative knot consisting of two or more loops and two loose ends.

“She tied a bright red bow on the birthday present.”

“The child struggled to tie a neat bow on his sneakers, eventually settling for a messy double knot.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Nautical

n. the front part of a boat or ship.

n. the forward part of the hull of a ship or boat.

Español:proa

“The passengers stood at the bow of the ship to watch the dolphins.”

“As the vessel entered the harbor, the lookout positioned at the bow signaled the presence of floating debris.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the act of bending your head or body forward to show respect or say thank you.

n. an inclination of the head or body in token of reverence, respect, or submission.

“The actors took a final bow as the audience started to clap.”

“In many East Asian cultures, a deep bow serves as a formal greeting that conveys significant social deference.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Music

n. a wooden stick with hair stretched across it, used to play instruments like the violin.

n. a rod with horsehair stretched between its ends, used for playing stringed instruments by friction.

“The violinist applied resin to her bow before the concert started.”

“The cellist's technique was remarkable, maintaining a steady bow even during the most demanding fortissimo passages.”

A2 · Elementary

v. to bend your head or body forward to show respect.

v. to incline the body or head as a gesture of respect, greeting, or acknowledgment.

“The visitors were asked to bow when the queen entered the room.”

“The diplomat chose to bow slightly rather than shake hands, adhering to the local customs of the host nation.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to agree to do something because of pressure from others.

v. to submit or yield to pressure, authority, or a superior force.

“The government finally had to bow to public pressure and change the law.”

“The board of directors refused to bow to the demands of the activist investors, maintaining their long-term strategy despite the criticism.”