Meaning & Definition of word "Kneel"

Kneel

/niːl/

1. to support oneself on one's knees.
- Example: She had to kneel on the ground to tie her shoelaces.
2. to perform an act of reverence, humility, or submission by bending the knee.
- Example: The knight chose to kneel before the queen as a sign of loyalty.
3. to assume a position on one's knees, often for prayer or worship.
- Example: Every evening, he would kneel by his bed to say his prayers.
4. to become submissive or yield to someone else.
- Example: In the face of overwhelming evidence, he had no choice but to kneel to her authority.

Old English cneoðan, related to the word 'knee'.

kneel down:

To lower oneself to one's knees.

kneel before:

To submit or show respect to someone.

knee:

The joint between the thigh and the lower leg.

kneecap:

A small flat bone that forms the front of the knee.

Meaning: To submit to authority or pressure.

Example Sentence: He had to kneel to the boss's demands.

Meaning: To give in or concede.

Example Sentence: After a long argument, she finally knelt to his point of view.