
好词典

源自古英语būgan,意为弯曲或屈服,与古北欧语beyja同源。动词用法最早记录于12世纪,形容词用法出现于14世纪。
❶ 形容物体因外力或重量而弯曲或下垂的状态,常用于描述树木、建筑结构等因压力变形。
“The old tree had bowed branches under the weight of snow.”
(那棵老树的树枝因积雪的重量而弯曲下垂。)
“The bookshelf was bowed from holding too many heavy books.”
(书架因放了太多厚重的书而弯曲变形。)
❶ 表示低头或弯腰的动作,常用于表达尊敬、屈服或专注的姿态。
“The audience bowed as the king entered the hall.”
(国王进入大厅时,观众们鞠躬致意。)
“He bowed deeply to show his respect to the elderly.”
(他向老人深深鞠躬以示尊敬。)
bowed out — 指某人退出某项活动或竞争,常带有体面退场的意味。
“After 30 years of service, the CEO bowed out gracefully.”
(在服务30年后,这位首席执行官体面地退休了。)
bowed and scraped — 形容过分谄媚或卑躬屈膝的行为,带有贬义色彩。
“The assistant bowed and scraped to please his demanding boss.”
(那个助理卑躬屈膝地讨好他苛刻的老板。)