Obeisantly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. expressing a compliant attitude characterized by showing respect and submission toward authority
2. demonstrating a manner marked by respectful yielding and deference to those in positions of power or influence
3. Acting with a humble and respectful attitude toward someone in authority

Etymology: "Obeisantly" is simply "obeisant" with the adverbial ending "-ly" attached, so its story is really the story of the adjective it sits on. "Obeisant" descends from the Old French verb "obeir", meaning to obey, which is the same source as English "obey". The adjective carried that sense of yielding to authority, and the adverb inherits it directly: to act obeisantly is to act in the manner of someone bowing before a superior. The base word has a useful pairing with its more familiar cousin. "Obeisance" is the noun for the bow, curtsey or deferential gesture itself, while "obeisant" describes the person who makes it. Adding "-ly" turns that quality of deference into a description of how an action is performed, so a person can answer, bow or step aside obeisantly without any need for the gesture to be literal.

Synonyms: respectfully, deferentially, submissively, obediently, reverently

Antonyms: disrespectfully, defiantly, insubordinately, impertinently, arrogantly