Cowtow vs. Kowtow — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 27, 2024
"Cowtow" is an incorrect spelling of the word "kowtow," which means to act in a subservient manner or show deep respect by bowing.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Cowtow or Kowtow
How to spell Kowtow?
Cowtow
Incorrect Spelling
Kowtow
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember the "K" for kneeling, as in the act of deep respect.
No animals in "kowtow" – it doesn't start with "cow."
Visualize someone bowing with their "knees" to remember "kowtow."
Cows don't bow, so it's "kowtow" not "cowtow."
Think of "kow" as similar to "bow" – both indicate a form of reverence.
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How Do You Spell Kowtow Correctly?
Incorrect: Artists often feel pressured to cowtow to popular trends.
Correct: Artists often feel pressured to kowtow to popular trends.
Incorrect: He refused to cowtow to the unreasonable demands.
Correct: He refused to kowtow to the unreasonable demands.
Incorrect: It's important not to cowtow to fear in difficult times.
Correct: It's important not to kowtow to fear in difficult times.
Incorrect: Some politicians cowtow to powerful lobbyists.
Correct: Some politicians kowtow to powerful lobbyists.
Incorrect: The company should not cowtow to every customer complaint.
Correct: The company should not kowtow to every customer complaint.
Kowtow Definitions
A gesture of deep respect by prostrating oneself.
The monks would kowtow in the temple.
Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead to show respect.
The diplomat was asked to kowtow to the emperor.
An act of obsequious behavior.
The assistant's kowtow was clearly just to get a promotion.
Acting in a subservient manner to please someone.
He refused to kowtow to his superiors.
Figuratively, to grovel or submit oneself to another's wishes.
The company did not kowtow to public pressure.
Kowtow, which is borrowed from kau tau in Cantonese Chinese (koutou in Mandarin), is the act of deep respect shown by prostration, that is, kneeling and bowing so low as to have one's head touching the ground. In Sinospheric culture, the kowtow is the highest sign of reverence.
To kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in expression of deep respect, worship, or submission, as formerly done in China.
To show servile deference.
To grovel, act in a very submissive manner.
To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.
(intransitive) To bow very deeply.
(by extension) To bow to or show obeisance to.
The act of kowtowing.
The prostration made by mandarins and others to their superiors, either as homage or worship, by knocking the forehead on the ground; same as Kotow. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings.
To perform the kowtow. Same as Kotow
I have salaamed and kowtowed to him.
A former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
Bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
Try to gain favor by cringing or flattering;
He is always kowtowing to his boss
Kowtow Meaning in a Sentence
To kowtow to such demands would set a dangerous precedent.
In this company, you're expected to kowtow to the executive team's vision.
He made it clear he would not kowtow to public opinion on the matter.
The government's decision to kowtow to international pressure was controversial.
As an independent artist, he didn’t feel the need to kowtow to commercial galleries.
The small nation refused to kowtow to the larger, more powerful neighbor.
The idea that we must kowtow to tradition is outdated.
She wouldn't kowtow to societal expectations that didn't align with her values.
Refusing to kowtow to bullies is a sign of strength and self-respect.
The movement encouraged people not to kowtow to media-driven beauty standards.
Advocates insist that respecting authority doesn't mean having to kowtow to it.
While diplomacy is important, it shouldn't mean we kowtow to every demand.
They made a conscious decision not to kowtow to outdated practices.
To maintain their dignity, they would not kowtow to the oppressors.
Many argue that it's better to compromise than to kowtow to extremism.
In negotiations, showing willingness to kowtow can weaken your position.
It’s challenging to stand firm and not kowtow to peer pressure.
The journalist refused to kowtow to threats meant to silence her reporting.
The policy seemed like a clear case of kowtowing to corporate interests.
The director refused to kowtow to censorship, advocating for artistic freedom.
Kowtow Idioms & Phrases
Kowtow to no one
A declaration of independence and refusal to submit to anyone.
With a spirit of rebellion, he made it clear he would kowtow to no one.
Refuse to kowtow
To not submit or show excessive subservience.
She made a stand and refused to kowtow to the unfair policies.
Common Curiosities
Which vowel is used before kowtow?
The vowel "o" is used before "kowtow."
Why is it called kowtow?
It's called "kowtow" from the Chinese custom of bowing with the forehead touching the ground as a sign of respect or submission.
What is the pronunciation of kowtow?
It's pronounced as /ˌkoʊˈtaʊ/.
What is the root word of kowtow?
The root comes from the Chinese word "kòutóu."
What is the singular form of kowtow?
The singular form is "kowtow."
Is kowtow an abstract noun?
Yes, when referring to the act of submission, it's an abstract noun.
Is kowtow a negative or positive word?
It can be perceived as negative when referring to subservient behavior, but neutral when referring to the traditional gesture of respect.
What is the verb form of kowtow?
The verb form is "kowtow" (as in "to kowtow").
Is kowtow a countable noun?
Yes, when referring to the act itself, e.g., "several kowtows."
What is the plural form of kowtow?
The plural form is "kowtows."
Which conjunction is used with kowtow?
Any conjunction can be used with "kowtow" depending on the sentence; there's no specific one.
Is kowtow an adverb?
No, "kowtow" is not an adverb.
Is kowtow a vowel or consonant?
"Kowtow" is a word, not a single letter, so it contains both vowels and consonants.
Is the word kowtow a Gerund?
"Kowtowing" is the gerund form.
How many syllables are in kowtow?
There are two syllables in "kowtow."
How do we divide kowtow into syllables?
Kow-tow.
What is another term for kowtow?
Another term for "kowtow" is "grovel."
What is the opposite of kowtow?
The opposite of "kowtow" can be "defy" or "resist."
Which preposition is used with kowtow?
The preposition "to" is often used with "kowtow," as in "kowtow to someone."
Is the word “kowtow” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Kowtow" can be either, depending on its use in a sentence.
What is the first form of kowtow?
The first form is "kowtow."
Is kowtow a collective noun?
No, "kowtow" is not a collective noun.
What is a stressed syllable in kowtow?
The first syllable "kow" is stressed in "kowtow."
What is the second form of kowtow?
As a verb, the second form (past tense) is "kowtowed."
Which article is used with kowtow?
Both "a" and "the" can be used with "kowtow" based on the context.
Is kowtow a noun or adjective?
"Kowtow" can be both a noun (the act) and a verb (the action).
Is the word kowtow imperative?
It can be used in the imperative form, as in "Don't kowtow to them!"
What part of speech is kowtow?
"Kowtow" is both a verb and a noun.
Which determiner is used with kowtow?
Determiners like "this," "that," "a," and "the" can be used with "kowtow."
Is the kowtow term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is excessively subservient.
What is the third form of kowtow?
The third form (past participle) is "kowtowed."
How is kowtow used in a sentence?
"He was criticized for kowtowing to the demands of the lobbyists."
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
