Knead: meaning, definitions and examples

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knead

 

[ niหd ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

baking

To work dough or clay into a uniform mixture by pressing, folding, and stretching.

Synonyms

manipulate, massage, work.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knead

This word is typically used in cooking or baking to describe the process of working dough to make it smooth and elastic.

  • You need to knead the dough for at least ten minutes to get the right texture.
  • She kneads the bread dough until it is soft and pliable.
work

A general term that can be used in various situations involving physical or mental effort to achieve a result. It can describe performing tasks, solving problems, or achieving goals.

  • He worked on his homework until late at night.
  • They are working to develop a new software application.
massage

This word is used to describe the act of rubbing and pressing someone's body to relax the muscles and improve circulation.

  • After a long day, he received a relaxing massage.
  • The therapist massaged her sore shoulders to relieve tension.
manipulate

Often used to describe handling or controlling something, usually with skill. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to controlling people or situations unfairly.

  • He can manipulate the computer system to get the desired results.
  • She felt she was being manipulated into making decisions she didn't want to.

Examples of usage

  • She kneaded the dough until it was smooth and elastic.
  • He kneaded the clay to create a sculpture.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative

To manipulate or shape something carefully and thoroughly.

Synonyms

manipulate, mold, shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knead

When working with dough or clay, implying the action of pressing, folding, and stretching to make it smooth and elastic.

  • She kneads the dough for ten minutes to get it ready for baking
  • The potter kneaded the clay before shaping it into a bowl
shape

A general term for forming or creating the outline or structure of something, applicable in many contexts including physical and abstract forms.

  • She shaped the dough into a loaf
  • They are shaping the future of technology with their innovations
mold

Used when shaping materials such as clay, plastic, or metal into a specific form, typically with the aid of a mold or frame.

  • The artist molds the clay into beautiful sculptures
  • The factory molds plastic parts for various products
manipulate

Often used in a more general context involving handling or controlling something with skill, but can have negative connotations when implying influence or control over people in a deceptive way.

  • He managed to manipulate the puppet's strings perfectly
  • They manipulated the data to support their argument

Examples of usage

  • The politician kneaded the facts to suit his agenda.
  • She kneaded the story until it fit her narrative.
Context #3 | Noun

anatomy

The action of pressing, folding, and stretching a part of the body to relieve stiffness or pain.

Synonyms

manipulation, massage, pressure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knead

Use this word when talking about working dough or clay with your hands to make it smooth and elastic.

  • She kneads the dough thoroughly to create perfect bread.
  • He kneads the clay to shape it into a vase.
massage

This word is used when referring to the act of rubbing and pressing someone's body to relieve pain, relax muscles, or provide therapy.

  • She got a massage to ease her back pain.
  • He enjoys a massage after a long day at work.
manipulation

This word often carries a negative connotation and is used to describe skillful or unfair control or influence over someone or something.

  • The politician faced criticism for his manipulation of the media.
  • Her manipulation of emotions made him distrust her.
pressure

This word is appropriate when discussing the physical force applied to an object or surface, or metaphorically to describe the feeling of being stressed or under strain.

  • Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.
  • He feels a lot of pressure to succeed in his career.

Examples of usage

  • The massage therapist used kneading techniques to relax the muscles.
  • Kneading can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.

Translations

Translations of the word "knead" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น amassar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅ‚เค‚เคงเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช kneten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menguleni

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผั–ัะธั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gnieล›ฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ“ใญใ‚‹ (koneru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pรฉtrir

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ amasar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yoฤŸurmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ˜์ฃฝํ•˜๋‹ค (banjukhada)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุนุฌู† (ya'jin)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hnฤ›tat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mieลกaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰ (rรณu)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ gnesti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hnoรฐa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะธั–ะฝั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ–แƒ”แƒšแƒ•แƒ (zelva)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yoฤŸurmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ amasar

Etymology

The word 'knead' originated from the Old English word 'cnedan', which means to knead or press something with the hands. It has been used for centuries in the context of baking, sculpting, and massage therapy. The act of kneading is essential in creating dough that rises properly and in relieving muscle tension. Over time, 'knead' has evolved to symbolize the careful manipulation and shaping of various materials, both physical and metaphorical.

See also: kneading.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,826, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.