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kneel

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /nɪl/

KK: /nil/

intransitive verb
Definition

To lower oneself to the ground by bending the knees, usually to show respect or to pray.


Example

She decided to kneel down to tie her shoelaces.


Tense Forms

Past: knelt

Past Participle: knelt


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how he kneeled during the proposal?
Sloth B
Yeah, that was so sweet!
Sloth A
I think it's such a beautiful gesture to kneel like that.
Sloth B
Absolutely! It shows a lot of respect and love.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
beseech
genuflect
submit
Antonyms
rise
stand
ignore
Root Explanation

Kneel → The word 'kneel' originates from Old English 'cnyllan', which means to bend the knee. It describes the action of bending down on one or both knees, often in a gesture of submission or reverence.

Memory Tip

Imagine bending your knee to show respect or submission — that's what kneeling means.

Visually Confused Words
keel
skeel
newel
nevel
neele
neeld
nebel
knelt
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