Question 1

What does "bow to" mean?

Accepted Answer

To make a bowing gesture toward someone as a sign of respect or reverence.

Question 2

How do you use "bow to" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

The students bowed to their sensei at the beginning and end of each class.

Question 3

Is "bow to" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"bow to" is register-neutral — appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. The figurative sense of yielding to pressure is very common in politics, business, and public discourse. It often implies reluctance — the subject gives in but perhaps not willingly.

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