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Keeling: meaning, definitions and examples

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keeling

 

[ˈkiːlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

nautical term

Keeling refers to the act of a ship sinking or leaning due to water intake. This term is most often used in the context when discussing ships in distress at sea. When a ship is keeling, it can indicate an emergency situation, and crews must act quickly to stabilize the vessel. The need to manage a keeling ship can involve various maneuvers and techniques to regain stability or prevent capsizing.

Synonyms

leaning, lists, tilting.

Examples of usage

  • The ship began keeling as water flooded the hull.
  • Emergency crews worked swiftly to prevent the vessel from keeling further.
  • When the storm struck, the boat started keeling dangerously.
Context #2 | Noun

nautical term

Keeling can also refer to the position or angle at which a ship leans or tilts. This position is crucial for navigators and ship crews to assess during a voyage. A ship in a state of keeling may not only affect its stability but can also influence its speed and course through water, making this an important concept in maritime operations.

Synonyms

slope, slouch, tilt.

Examples of usage

  • The keeling of the vessel was alarming to the crew.
  • We need to calculate the keeling angle after the waves hit.
  • The captain assessed the ship's keeling before making adjustments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'cyll', which means to bend the knee.
  • Related to the Middle Dutch word 'kielen', meaning to kneel or crouch.
  • The term has been in use since at least the 14th century, showcasing a long history of the action.

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, kneeling is a sign of submission, often seen in ceremonies or when addressing authority.
  • Religious practices frequently involve kneeling during prayer or worship, symbolizing humility.
  • Certain martial arts use kneeling as a respectful stance when greeting instructors or during specific rituals.

Psychological Aspects

  • Kneeling can evoke feelings of vulnerability, making it a powerful gesture in negotiations or apologies.
  • Studies show that bodily postures, like kneeling, can influence emotional states and how others perceive us.
  • The act is often associated with moments of surrender or contemplation, affecting mental processes like decision-making.

Sports and Leisure

  • In sailing, 'keeling' refers to a boat leaning over due to wind pressure on its sails, which is a critical factor in racing.
  • In some sports, athletes may kneel as a form of celebration or to emphasize a moment of respect, such as honoring a teammate.
  • Kneeling in sports is also used during national anthems to raise awareness for social issues, merging respect with activism.

Literature and Art

  • Kneeling figures are prominent in classical art, often depicting humility or devotion, such as in many religious paintings.
  • Literary references to kneeling often symbolize submission, respect, or deep emotional introspection, highlighting character development.
  • Famous works of literature depict characters kneeling as a pivotal action that reflects their inner struggles or transformations.

Translations

Translations of the word "keeling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 keeling

🇮🇳 कीलिंग

🇩🇪 Keeling

🇮🇩 keeling

🇺🇦 кілінг

🇵🇱 keeling

🇯🇵 キーニング

🇫🇷 keeling

🇪🇸 keeling

🇹🇷 keeling

🇰🇷 키링

🇸🇦 كيلينغ

🇨🇿 keeling

🇸🇰 keeling

🇨🇳 基林

🇸🇮 keeling

🇮🇸 keeling

🇰🇿 килинг

🇬🇪 კილინგი

🇦🇿 keeling

🇲🇽 keeling

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,730, 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.