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Knees Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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knees

[niːz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

body part

The joints in the middle of your leg that allow it to bend. Knees are essential for walking, running, and other activities that require movement. They are also vulnerable to injury, especially in sports.

Synonyms

articulations, hinges, joints.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knees

Commonly used when referring to the human body or animals, focusing on the joint between the thigh and the lower leg.

  • She scraped her knees when she fell off her bike
  • The doctor examined his swollen knees
joints

Used in both anatomical and mechanical contexts to describe the connection points that allow motion. Can also refer to places such as establishments, usually in a casual or colloquial manner.

  • The physical therapist worked on improving the flexibility of her joints
  • They decided to meet at the local pizza joint
hinges

Used to describe mechanical devices that allow doors, gates, or similar items to open and shut. Can also be metaphorically used to describe points of pivotal importance.

  • The door creaked because its hinges were rusty
  • The success of the project hinges on the team's ability to collaborate
articulations

More formal and technical term, often used in medical, anatomical, or engineering contexts to refer to points where two or more bones or elements meet.

  • The surgeon carefully examined the articulations of the patient's wrist
  • Engineers must understand the articulations of machine parts to ensure smooth operation

Examples of usage

  • My knees were sore after jogging for an hour.
  • She fell and scraped her knees on the pavement.
  • He underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his knee.
Context #2 | Noun

support

A kneeling position with one or both knees on the ground. Knees are often used as a sign of respect, submission, or devotion in various cultures and religious practices.

Synonyms

bowing, kneeling, prostration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knees

Refers to the body part in various situations, often in physical activity or medical context.

  • She fell and scraped her knees while playing soccer.
  • His knees ached after the long hike.
kneeling

Position adopted often in prayer, reverence, or submission. Can be seen in religious practices, ceremonies, or to show humility.

  • The congregation was kneeling in prayer.
  • She was kneeling to tie her shoelaces.
prostration

Indicates complete submission or worship, lying face down on the ground. Often used in religious or extreme reverence contexts. Has a more intense and solemn connotation compared to 'kneeling'.

  • The pilgrims were in prostration before the sacred shrine.
  • He collapsed in prostration, exhausted from the day’s toil.
bowing

Shows respect, greeting, or submission, often in cultural, formal, or religious scenarios.

  • The musicians received applause while bowing to the audience.
  • He was bowing to the monk as a sign of respect.

Examples of usage

  • Before the king, the subjects knelt on their knees.
  • She got down on her knees to propose to him.
  • The protesters kneeled in silence to show solidarity.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • Knees are made up of bones, cartilage, and ligaments, connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone.
  • They are crucial for walking, running, and jumping, providing stability and support.
  • Knees also act as shock absorbers, helping to protect other parts of the leg when you move.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, kneeling is a gesture of respect, used when praying or showing humility.
  • Traditional dances around the world often feature movements that highlight knee bending and flexibility.
  • In some martial arts, techniques often focus on the strength and agility of the knees.

Sport and Fitness

  • Knee injuries are common in sports due to the strain placed on these joints during high-impact activities.
  • Exercises like squats and lunges strengthen the knees and improve athletic performance.
  • Proper footwear and warm-up can help reduce the risk of knee injuries in athletes.

Historical Facts

  • Archaeological studies show that the development of bipedalism (walking on two legs) influenced the shape and function of knees.
  • Old medical texts often referred to knee problems, indicating that they have been a concern for many centuries.
  • Knees are mentioned in famous literature, symbolizing both physicality and vulnerability in human experience.

Health

  • Common conditions affecting knees include arthritis, which causes pain and swelling.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce knee stress, improving mobility.
  • Physical therapy and specific exercises are often recommended for rehabilitation after knee injuries.

Origin of 'knees'

The word 'knees' originated from the Old English word 'cneow', which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic 'knewam'. The knee has been a crucial joint in human anatomy, enabling bipedal movement and providing stability for various physical activities. Throughout history, the knee has been symbolically significant in rituals, ceremonies, and cultural practices, reflecting themes of humility, reverence, and obedience.

See also: knee, kneecap.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,359, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.