Knee: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆต
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knee

 

[ niห ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

body part

The joint between the thigh and the lower leg in humans, which is supported by the patella or kneecap.

Synonyms

joint, kneecap, patella.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knee

General term to refer to the middle joint of the leg; commonly used in everyday conversation and basic anatomical references.

  • He fell and hurt his knee while playing soccer.
  • She has a scar on her knee from the accident.
joint

Broader term that can refer to any point where two bones meet in the human body; often used in medical or anatomical discussions.

  • The elderly man has pain in many of his joints.
  • The knee is a complex joint that is prone to injury.
patella

Technical term for the kneecap; mainly used in medical, anatomical, or scientific contexts.

  • The MRI showed that her patella was not aligned correctly.
  • He had surgery to repair a torn patella tendon.
kneecap

Refers to the small, flat, triangular bone in front of the knee joint; commonly used when discussing injuries or medical conditions specifically related to this bone.

  • She dislocated her kneecap during the hike.
  • The doctor said the pain might be due to a fractured kneecap.

Examples of usage

  • My knee hurts after running.
  • She fell and scraped her knee.
Context #2 | Noun

part of a piece of clothing

The part of a garment covering the knee.

Synonyms

area, part, section.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knee

Specifically refers to the anatomical joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg. Often used in medical or casual conversations about injuries, physical conditions, or movements related to this body part.

  • She injured her knee while playing soccer.
  • Bend your knee slowly to avoid further pain.
part

Refers to a segment or section of a whole, which can be physical objects, concepts, or systems. Used in contexts ranging from assembling items to describing contributions to group tasks.

  • This part of the machine needs to be replaced.
  • Everyone played their part in the success of the project.
section

More formal term than โ€˜partโ€™, often used in documentation, academics, or to describe divisions within larger entities. Commonly used in books, reports, and structured environments.

  • Please read the next section of the textbook.
  • The front section of the airplane is reserved for first-class passengers.
area

Used to describe a specific region or part of a larger space, which can be physical or abstract. Commonly used in geography, urban planning, and everyday speech to describe locations or sectors.

  • This area of the city is known for its beautiful parks.
  • The study area is designed for quiet reading and research.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a dress that came to her knees.
  • He patched the hole in his jeans near the knee.
Context #3 | Verb

bend at the knee

To bend one's leg at the knee joint.

Synonyms

bend, crouch, flex.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knee

The word 'knee' refers to the joint between the thigh and the lower leg. Use it mostly in medical or anatomical contexts, or in discussions about activities involving this part of the body.

  • She injured her knee while playing soccer.
  • The doctor examined my knee to check for any damage.
bend

Use 'bend' when talking about moving a part of your body, usually a limb or the back, to an angle. This word is often used in exercise, dance, or describing someone's motion.

  • Remember to bend your knees when lifting heavy objects.
  • She can bend her back and touch her toes easily.
flex

Use 'flex' to describe the action of tightening or contracting a muscle, often to show strength or to stretch. This term is commonly used in fitness or anatomical contexts.

  • He flexed his muscles to show how strong he was.
  • She flexed her foot to stretch her calf muscle.
crouch

The word 'crouch' is used when someone lowers their body by bending their knees, often when trying to remain hidden or to get closer to the ground. It can imply a more deliberate or careful movement.

  • The cat crouched low before pouncing on the toy.
  • He had to crouch behind the bushes to avoid being seen.

Examples of usage

  • He kneeled down to tie his shoe.
  • The dancer gracefully kneeled during the performance.

Translations

Translations of the word "knee" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น joelho

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค˜เฅเคŸเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Knie

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lutut

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะปั–ะฝะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kolano

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่† (ใฒใ–)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท genou

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ rodilla

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท diz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฌด๋ฆŽ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑูƒุจุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ koleno

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ koleno

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่†็›– (xฤซgร i)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ koleno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hnรฉskel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ั–ะทะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฃแƒฎแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ diz

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ rodilla

Etymology

The word 'knee' originated from the Old English word 'cneow', which is of Germanic origin. The use of 'knee' to refer to the joint in the middle of the leg dates back to the early Old English period. The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the human body, allowing for movement and support. Throughout history, the knee has been a symbol of strength, stability, and vulnerability.

See also: kneecap, knees.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,772, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.