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Mr. Tom Posted 10 years ago
Vocabulary

Use of genuflect

Hi

I was reading an article a couple of minutes ago and stumbled on this interesting word.

Genuflect

The writer used it figuratively (rather sarcastically) -- something like this:

The only way to please/placate our ministers today is to genuflect to them.

I want to know how common this word is among native speakers. Also, is the underlined use (above) natural to native ears?

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

It's common enough among Roman Catholics.

— Fivejedjon

  • It's common enough among Roman Catholics.
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6 Answers
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It's common enough among Roman Catholics.

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... and people who remember Tom Lehrer: ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f72CTDe4-0
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Thanks, Fivejedjon.

So, did the use of this word by the article writer sound natural to you?

Tom
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Yes. Depending on the context, the sentence might have been intended to be mocking.
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Mr. TomI want to know how common this word is among native speakers.
It's not in general, everyday use. It's a rare word, limited to certain people and contexts.
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Mr. TomI want to know how common this word is among native speakers.
It is a completely ordinary word to those who belong to the Catholic religion (approximately a quarter of the world's population, I think). However, it's only used within the context of Catholic worship and there is little need for anyone outside that context to use the word. All religions
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