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Genuflecting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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genuflecting

[ˈdʒɛnjʊˌflɛktɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

religious practice

To genuflect is to bend one or both knees as a sign of reverence or worship, especially in a religious context. It is a common practice in many Christian traditions to genuflect before the altar or a crucifix.

Synonyms

bow, kneel, prostrate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
genuflecting

Genuflecting is often used in religious contexts where someone kneels down, especially on one knee, to show deep respect or worship. It is common in Christian churches, especially during prayers or when facing the altar.

  • He was genuflecting before entering the pew during the church service.
  • The congregation was seen genuflecting during the solemn ceremony.
bow

Bow is used in many cultures as a gesture of greeting, respect, or gratitude. It involves bending at the waist and is seen in both formal and informal settings. Common in Asian cultures, it is also seen in performances and royal protocols.

  • She made a slight bow to the audience after her performance.
  • In Japan, it is customary to bow when greeting someone.
kneel

Kneel is used in contexts that involve praying, proposing, or showing submission. It implies getting down on both knees. It is commonly seen in religious ceremonies, during marriage proposals, or when pleading for mercy.

  • The knight was asked to kneel before the king to receive his knighthood.
  • He decided to kneel and pray at the altar.
prostrate

Prostrate is used to describe lying flat on the ground face down, often in situations of extreme humility, worship, or surrender. This term is strong and conveys complete submission, sometimes with a negative connotation of desperation or defeat.

  • The worshippers were prostrate before the sacred relics.
  • He was found prostrate on the ground, exhausted and defeated.

Examples of usage

  • The congregation genuflected before entering the church.
  • He genuflected before the statue of the Virgin Mary.
  • We genuflect as a sign of respect and humility.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'genuflecting'

The word 'genuflecting' derives from the Latin word 'genuflectere', which is a combination of 'genu' meaning knee and 'flectere' meaning to bend. The practice of genuflecting has been a part of religious rituals for centuries, symbolizing humility, respect, and devotion. It is commonly associated with Christianity, especially in the Catholic tradition.

See also: genuflect, genuflection.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,589, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.