Kneeler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kneeler

[ˈniːlər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

person

A person who kneels, especially in prayer or submission.

Synonyms

devotee, supplicant, worshipper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
kneeler	Refers to a person or object that is literally kneeling, often in a religious or solemn setting. It can also describe a small bench or cushion used in churches for kneeling during prayer. The kneeler in the church was worn from years of use. He spent hours kneeling, becoming a dedicated kneeler during his prayers.
worshipper	Describes someone who participates in worship, particularly of a deity, in a religious setting. It is neutral and commonly used in various religious contexts. The worshippers gathered in the mosque for the evening prayer. Hundreds of worshippers attended the Sunday service at the cathedral.
devotee	Typically used to describe someone who is very passionate or committed to a particular religion, practice, or hobby. As a devotee of yoga, she never missed her morning practice. Thousands of devotees gathered at the temple for the festival.
supplicant	Used to describe a person who humbly and earnestly asks for something, often in a religious or formal setting. This term has a more pleading connotation. The supplicant knelt before the altar, praying for forgiveness. As a supplicant, he approached the king with great humility.

Examples of usage

The kneeler bowed their head in prayer.
She was known as the village's most devout kneeler.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

furniture

A padded cushion or board on which a person kneels, typically used in churches.

Synonyms

kneeling pad, prayer bench.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
kneeler	A cushioned pad often used in churches for people to kneel on during prayers or religious services. It can also be utilized in gardening to provide comfort while working on the ground. During the service, she found the wooden pews uncomfortable, but the kneeler made kneeling for prayer more bearable. He used a kneeler in the garden to avoid hurting his knees while planting flowers.
prayer bench	A specific type of furniture, typically found in churches, designed for people to kneel on while praying. It often comes with a small ledge for resting elbows and a cushioned area for the knees. The old church had beautifully carved prayer benches that the congregation used during services. She found peace kneeling at the prayer bench every morning in silent prayer.
kneeling pad	A portable cushion used mainly for comfort while kneeling, often in activities like gardening, household chores, or any tasks that require prolonged kneeling. The kneeling pad was a lifesaver when she spent hours weeding the garden. He placed a kneeling pad on the floor to make cleaning the bottom cabinets easier.

Word

Description / Examples

kneeler

A cushioned pad often used in churches for people to kneel on during prayers or religious services. It can also be utilized in gardening to provide comfort while working on the ground.

During the service, she found the wooden pews uncomfortable, but the kneeler made kneeling for prayer more bearable.
He used a kneeler in the garden to avoid hurting his knees while planting flowers.

prayer bench

A specific type of furniture, typically found in churches, designed for people to kneel on while praying. It often comes with a small ledge for resting elbows and a cushioned area for the knees.

The old church had beautifully carved prayer benches that the congregation used during services.
She found peace kneeling at the prayer bench every morning in silent prayer.

kneeling pad

A portable cushion used mainly for comfort while kneeling, often in activities like gardening, household chores, or any tasks that require prolonged kneeling.

The kneeling pad was a lifesaver when she spent hours weeding the garden.
He placed a kneeling pad on the floor to make cleaning the bottom cabinets easier.

Examples of usage

She knelt on the kneeler to pray in the church.
The church installed new kneelers for the congregation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In many churches, kneelers are used during prayer, demonstrating respect and humility.
Some cultures incorporate kneeling in daily practices, like bowing as a greeting or in martial arts training.

Design and Functionality

Kneelers come in various designs, including foldable versions for easy storage and portability.
Many modern kneelers are padded or have ergonomic designs to support joint health better.

Historical Uses

Historically, kneeling has been a symbol of servitude or submission in various societal contexts.
In agriculture, kneeling has been part of farming practices, with tools designed to ease the strain on the knees.

Psychological Aspect

Kneeling is often associated with rituals or ceremonies, invoking feelings of gravity and respect.
The action of kneeling can evoke feelings of vulnerability or submission, impacting how individuals connect in social settings.

Origin of 'kneeler'

Main points about word origin

The term 'kneeler' comes from the Middle English word 'kenel', which means to bend the knee.
In Old English, 'cneow' referred to the knee, signifying the act of kneeling.

The word 'kneeler' originated from the combination of the verb 'kneel' and the suffix '-er,' which denotes a person who performs an action. The term has been in use since the 16th century, referring to both a person who kneels and the padded cushion or board used for kneeling in churches. The act of kneeling has historically been associated with prayer, submission, and reverence in various cultures and religious practices.