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Kneel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kneel

[niːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in worship

To kneel means to bend your leg so that your knee is on the ground, especially when you are in a religious or respectful situation.

Synonyms

bow, genuflect, prostrate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kneel

To go down on one or both knees, often used in prayer, submission, or respect.

  • She knelt down to pray
  • The knight knelt before the king
bow

To bend the upper part of the body as a gesture of respect, greeting, or acknowledgment.

  • He bowed when introduced to the queen
  • They bow at the end of their performance
prostrate

To lie face down on the ground in a position of submission, reverence, or exhaustion.

  • The monks prostrated themselves in prayer
  • He was prostrate with grief
genuflect

To bend one knee to the ground, often in religious contexts, as an act of reverence.

  • The congregation genuflected before entering the pew
  • She genuflected at the altar

Examples of usage

  • I kneel down to pray every night.
  • The knight knelt before the king in a sign of loyalty.
Context #2 | Verb

in submission

To kneel can also mean to show submission or surrender by getting down on your knees.

Synonyms

subjugate, surrender, yield.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kneel

Mentioned twice but commonly understood as the above explanation.

  • She kneels down to tie her shoes
  • The soldier kneels to propose to his partner
yield

Can describe giving way to pressure or giving up control, often in a less forceful manner than 'surrender'. Also used in contexts like traffic and decision-making.

  • She had to yield to the demands of the committee
  • Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
surrender

Utilized to describe giving up in a conflict or admitting defeat. It can be used in military contexts, as well as everyday situations where someone gives in.

  • The army decided to surrender after realizing they were outnumbered
  • After a long argument, he finally surrendered and agreed to her terms
subjugate

Used in a more forceful and negative context to describe the act of bringing someone under domination or control, often by conquest. It's often used in historical or political contexts.

  • The empire sought to subjugate the neighboring countries
  • The conquerors aimed to subjugate the indigenous population

Examples of usage

  • The defeated soldier knelt before his captors.
  • She knelt down and begged for forgiveness.
Context #3 | Noun

body position

As a noun, a kneel refers to the position of having one or both knees on the ground.

Synonyms

crouch, sit, squat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kneel

This word is often used when someone lowers their body so that one or both knees are on the ground, typically to show respect, prayer, or submission.

  • He knelt before the queen to receive his knighthood.
  • The children knelt to pray before going to bed.
crouch

This word refers to bending down with knees and body close to the ground, often to hide, prepare for action, or avoid something. It can imply a sense of readiness or alertness.

  • The cat crouched low, ready to pounce on its prey.
  • He had to crouch to avoid hitting his head on the low ceiling.
squat

This word describes a position where someone lowers their body close to the ground by bending their knees, often with a sense of stability or balance. It's commonly used for exercises or when there is no chair available.

  • He squatted to lift the heavy box from the floor.
  • The villagers squatted around the fire, discussing the day's events.
sit

This word is used when someone rests their weight on their bottom, usually on a chair or another flat surface, with their back upright. It's a common posture for relaxation, working, or attending events.

  • She sat on the chair by the window, reading a book.
  • Please sit down and make yourself comfortable.

Examples of usage

  • The gymnast performed a perfect kneel during her routine.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Old English 'cnēowl', which referenced the knee joint and the act of bending down.
  • In ancient cultures, kneeling was often a direct way to show loyalty or submission to a ruler or deity.
  • The act of kneeling has been depicted in various forms of art throughout history, portraying its significance in rituals.

Cultural Practices

  • Many religions incorporate kneeling in their prayer practices, highlighting humility and reverence.
  • In Western weddings, the act of kneeling is common when one partner proposes to the other, symbolizing a vow of commitment.
  • In martial arts, kneeling can represent respect for the instructor or tradition, emphasizing discipline.

Psychological Perspectives

  • Kneeling can create a physical posture that affects one's mental state, often associated with feelings of submission or humility.
  • Studies suggest that adopting a kneeling posture can enhance feelings of peace and respect in social interactions.
  • The act of kneeling during moments of distress may also aid in grounding emotions and fostering a sense of connection.

Literature

  • Kneeling is often used as a dramatic motif in literature, symbolizing a character's submission or transformation.
  • In Shakespeare's works, characters frequently kneel to display reverence or to seek forgiveness, enhancing emotional depth.
  • The imagery of kneeling is prevalent in poetry, often representing longing, devotion, or humility.

Sports

  • In various sports, kneeling is used to show respect before a game, a common practice in American football.
  • Athletes might kneel in solidarity to raise awareness for social issues, using their platform to prompt discussions.
  • Kneeling has been a significant gesture in sports history, representing both protest and respect during national anthems.

Origin of 'kneel'

The word 'kneel' originated from the Old English word 'cneowlian', which means 'to kneel'. The act of kneeling has been a common gesture of respect, worship, and submission in various cultures and religions throughout history. Kneeling is often associated with humility, reverence, and obedience.

See also: kneeler, kneeling.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,948, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.