Knelt: meaning, definitions and examples

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knelt

 

[ nɛlt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Knelt is the past tense of the verb 'kneel', which means to support oneself on one or both knees. This act is often associated with showing reverence, submission, or humility. Kneeling can be a physical expression of respect, as seen in many cultures during prayer or ceremonies. In some contexts, it can also indicate a plea for forgiveness or an act of profound respect.

Synonyms

bowed, delved, genuflected

Examples of usage

  • He knelt down to tie his shoelace.
  • The soldiers knelt before their leader.
  • She knelt in prayer at the altar.

Translations

Translations of the word "knelt" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ajoelhou

🇮🇳 घुटने टेकना

🇩🇪 kniete

🇮🇩 berlutut

🇺🇦 впав на коліна

🇵🇱 uklęknął

🇯🇵 ひざまずいた

🇫🇷 s'est agenouillé

🇪🇸 se arrodilló

🇹🇷 diz çökme

🇰🇷 무릎을 꿇었다

🇸🇦 ركع

🇨🇿 poklekl

🇸🇰 pokľakol

🇨🇳 跪下了

🇸🇮 pokleknil

🇮🇸 hnipra

🇰🇿 тізе бүкті

🇬🇪 გადაგდო

🇦🇿 sübh etdi

🇲🇽 se arrodilló

Word origin

The word 'knelt' is derived from the Old English 'cneow', which means 'knee'. This term has its roots in the Proto-Germanic language, where it is reconstructed as '*knewō', referring to the joint of the leg. In Middle English, the verb 'knele' emerged, which evolved into the modern form 'kneel'. The past tense 'knelt' has been used since the 14th century. Kneeling has been an important gesture in various cultures, often associated with religious practices, social customs, and acts of submission. Linguistically, its evolution reflects the physical and social significance of the act throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,070, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.