Kneel: meaning, definitions and examples

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kneel

[ niːl ]

^{Context #1}

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

Examples of usage

I kneel down to pray every night.
The knight knelt before the king in a sign of loyalty.

^{Context #2}

in submission

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

Synonyms

subjugate, surrender, yield

Examples of usage

The defeated soldier knelt before his captors.
She knelt down and begged for forgiveness.

^{Context #3}

body position

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

Synonyms

crouch, sit, squat

Examples of usage

The gymnast performed a perfect kneel during her routine.

Translations

Translations of the word "kneel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ajoelhar

🇮🇳 घुटने टेकना

🇩🇪 knien

🇮🇩 berlutut

🇺🇦 ставати на коліна

🇵🇱 klękać

🇯🇵 ひざまずく

🇫🇷 s'agenouiller

🇪🇸 arrodillarse

🇹🇷 diz çökmek

🇰🇷 무릎을 꿇다

🇸🇦 يركع

🇨🇿 klečet

🇸🇰 kľaknúť

🇨🇳 跪下

🇸🇮 poklekniti

🇮🇸 krjúpa

🇰🇿 тізерлеу

🇬🇪 მუხლზე დადგომა

🇦🇿 diz çökmək

🇲🇽 arrodillarse

Word origin

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.