Bowing is a term that describes the action of lowering one's upper body as a sign of respect or acknowledgement. There are several synonyms for this term, including curtsy, kneel, stoop, and genuflect. A curtsy is a form of bowing performed by women, especially in formal settings. Kneeling is often done in religious contexts to show reverence or submission. Stoop suggests a more informal type of bowing, often used to pick something up or as a gesture of humility. Genuflecting is a type of bowing done in a religious context, usually done by kneeling and touching the ground with one knee as a sign of devotion.