kneel

UK: niːl | US: niːl

Definition

  1. vi. to rest on the knees or a knee, often as a gesture of respect, submission, or worship

Structure
knee <joint between thigh and lower leg>l <verb-forming suffix>
Etymology

The word "kneel" derives from Old English cnēowlian, formed by combining cnēow (knee) with the frequentative verb suffix -lian, indicating repeated or habitual action. The root knee traces back to Proto-Germanic knewa-, shared across Germanic languages (e.g., German Knie, Dutch knie). The verb suffix -l (via Old English -lian) implies sustained posture, reflecting the act of maintaining a kneeling position.

Examples

  1. The knight knelt before the queen to pledge his loyalty.

  2. She knelt to tie her shoelaces.

  3. Protesters knelt in silence to demand justice.

  4. The monk kneels in prayer every morning.

  5. He knelt on one knee to propose.