Question

Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of-
KOWTOW
a) Respect
b) Illuminate
c) Practice
d) Blackhead

Answer 1

Hint: The dictionary meaning of the word “Kowtow” is “act in an excessively subservient manner”. For example: She didn’t have to kowtow to a boss.

Complete answer:
“kowtow” is a verb which also means – kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission as a part of Chinese custom. Kowtow originated from a noun. It is borrowed from kau tau in Cantonese, is the act of deep respect shown by prostration. For example: The dictator beheaded the man who refused to kowtow to him by kissing his feet. In the given question, we are asked to choose one option which gives the correct meaning of “kowtow”.
Let us examine all the given options to find out the correct answer:
Option ‘a’ is Respect. It is a noun which means – a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. For example : The director had a lot of respect for Douglas as an actor.
Option ‘b' is Illuminate. It is a verb which means to light (something) up. For example : A flash of lightning illuminated the house.
Option ‘c’ is Practice. It is a noun which means – the actual application of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it. For example: The principles and practice of teaching.
Option ‘d’ is Blackhead. It is a noun which means – a plug of sebum in a hair follicle, darkened by oxidation. This option is not related to the given word in any way, this cannot be the correct answer.
As we have analysed all the given options, we can easily figure out the correct answer. Here, the word which best expresses the meaning of “kowtow” is “respect”. So, the correct answer is “Option a”.

Note:
Don’t get confused between “practice” and “respect”. Practice is a customary, habitual, or expected procedure or way of doing something, unlike respect.