Kneel before Meaning in English
expression
ˈniɫ/ /ˌbiˈfɔɹ/, /bɪˈfɔɹ
NEEL bi-FOR
nˈiːl/ /bɪfˈɔː
NEEL bi-FAW
Definition
To get down on one's knees in front of someone or something, often as a sign of respect, submission, or worship.
Usage & Nuances
Formal or literary; often found in religious, historical, or dramatic contexts. Can be literal (physically kneeling) or metaphorical (showing deep respect or submission). Common collocation: 'kneel before the king/God.' Avoid using for casual situations.
Spanish: arrodillarse antePortuguese (BR): ajoelhar-se diante de - ajoelhar-se perantePortuguese (PT): ajoelhar-se perante - ajoelhar-se diante deChinese (Simplified): 跪在……面前Chinese (Traditional): 跪在……面前Hindi: के सामने घुटने टेकनाArabic: يركع أمامBengali: সম্মুখে হাঁটু গেড়ে বসাRussian: преклонять колени перед - становиться на колени передJapanese: 〜の前にひざまずくVietnamese: quỳ trướcKorean: ~ 앞에 무릎을 꿇다Turkish: önünde diz çökmekUrdu: کے سامنے گھٹنے ٹیکناIndonesian: berlutut di hadapan
Example Sentences
The knights kneel before the king.
basic
They kneel before the altar in church.
basic
You must kneel before your elders as a sign of respect.
basic
People don't really kneel before anyone these days unless it's a special ceremony.
natural
He refused to kneel before his enemies, no matter what happened.
natural
You don't have to kneel before me—just be yourself.
natural