kneel
word
/ˈniɫ/
neel
/nˈiːl/
neel
Definition
To bend down and rest on your knees, often as a sign of respect, prayer, or submission.
Usage & Nuances
Usually describes physically lowering oneself so both knees touch the ground. Commonly used in religious, ceremonial, or formal contexts: 'kneel to pray', 'kneel before the king'. Some idioms use it symbolically, but it's mostly literal.
Spanish: arrodillarsePortuguese (BR): ajoelhar-sePortuguese (PT): ajoelhar-seChinese (Simplified): 跪下Chinese (Traditional): 跪下Hindi: घुटनों के बल बैठनाArabic: يركعBengali: হাঁটু গেড়ে বসা - নতজানু হওয়াRussian: встать на колениJapanese: ひざまずくVietnamese: quỳ xuốngKorean: 무릎을 꿇다Turkish: diz çökmekUrdu: زانو ٹیکناIndonesian: berlutut
Example Sentences
The children kneel to tie their shoes.
basic
Please kneel when you enter the temple.
basic
Everyone had to kneel before the queen entered the room.
natural
"Kneel," the instructor said, and everyone followed his command.
natural
You don't have to kneel here, just stand if you prefer.
natural
He knelt beside his bed to pray.
basic