Knelling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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knelling

[หˆnษ›lษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical position

Knelling, derived from the verb 'kneel', refers to the action of resting on one or both knees. This position is often associated with reverence, submission, or prayer. It can also be used in a technical context, such as in certain sports or martial arts where athletes may kneel as part of a technique or position. Additionally, 'knelling' can signify a gesture of respect or acknowledgment, especially during solemn occasions. Overall, it emphasizes a physical posture of humility or mourning.

Synonyms

bending, genuflecting, kneeling.

Examples of usage

  • She was knelling to pray at the church altar.
  • The soldiers were knelling during the memorial service.
  • He found himself knelling in gratitude before his mentor.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, bells are rung to mark important life events, particularly funerals, symbolizing a transition.
  • The sound of a knell is often associated with mourning, resonating with the emotions of loss and remembrance.
  • Some religious ceremonies include a knell as part of the rituals to honor the deceased.

Literature

  • In literature, a knell often symbolizes not just death, but also reflection on life, as seen in many poetry works.
  • Classic authors like John Milton have used the imagery of a knell to evoke deep emotions surrounding mortality.
  • The concept of a knell can appear in narratives to signify the end of an era or the loss of a significant character.

Psychology

  • Hearing a knell can trigger emotional responses, reminding people of personal losses and shared mourning.
  • Bells have been linked to psychological reactions, where the sound influences mood and feelings of nostalgia.
  • The act of listening to a knell can serve as a communal bonding experience, reinforcing social connections during grief.

Music

  • Musicians often explore the sound of bells in compositions to evoke themes of sorrow and remembrance.
  • The distinct tone of knelling can be found in various musical genres representing transitions or reflections on loss.
  • Traditionally, certain types of bells may produce a specific knelling sound that has inspired various musical forms in different cultures.

Origin of 'knelling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'cnellan', meaning to announce or to toll.
  • It originally referred to the sound made by a bell, especially in a solemn context.
  • The term has evolved to represent both the sound of bells and the act of ringing them for somber occasions.

The word 'kneel' originates from the Old English 'cnฤ“owlian', meaning 'to kneel down'. This term has its roots in Proto-Germanic language, where it is linked to the word 'knew', reflecting the act of bending or kneeling. As the English language evolved, the current form 'kneel' emerged by the late Middle Ages, encapsulating the gestures of humility or reverence that are culturally significant across various societies. The act of knelling carries connotations that stretch beyond mere physical posture; it resonates with deep-rooted traditions in many religious, cultural, and societal practices. Throughout history, kneeling has represented submission to authority and respect for the divine. Thus, knelling has continually played an essential role in human expression, communicating emotions ranging from penitence to gratitude.