What does genuflect mean?
Genuflect is a formal verb meaning to bend one knee to the ground as an expression of worship, reverence, or profound respect. In Christian worship, the gesture is associated especially with the celebration of the Eucharist, although the word is not limited to that context. Genuflecting can also be used figuratively to describe a person or institution making an exaggerated show of deference, often with the implication of servility or political opportunism. The precise form of the action may vary: historically, it could involve kneeling on one knee, and some descriptions use the phrase “to genuflect” for kneeling on both knees. The word is most common in religious, historical, ceremonial, and literary writing. It is useful when a speaker wants to convey a solemn ritual gesture or to portray unusually humble, ingratiating behavior toward a person or authority.
verbTo bend one knee to the ground, especially as a gesture of worship, reverence, or respect. It can also be used figuratively to describe an excessively deferential or servile act.
- To bend one knee to the ground as a sign of religious worship or reverence.
- To make a formal or exaggerated gesture of respect, deference, or submission.
"The worshipper genuflected before the altar as the procession entered."
"The bishop genuflected as he entered the chapel."
"The politician's opponents accused him of genuflecting before the corporation."
Genuflect comes from Latin genu, “knee,” and flectere, “to bend”: literally, to bend the knee.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does genuflect come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century through Medieval Latin genuflectere. This form combines Latin genu, meaning “knee,” with flectere, meaning “to bend,” so the original sense is literally “to bend the knee.” The same Latin roots are reflected in English words such as genu, flection, inflect, and circumflex.
Related word forms
How genuflect is actually used
The word is chiefly formal, religious, historical, or literary. Its figurative use often conveys criticism of excessive deference or sycophancy.
Easily confused with genuflect
Genuflect is the verb describing the act, whereas genuflection is the noun naming it.