Definition

1. Verb:
   • To rest one's weight on one's knees, typically by lowering the body so that one or both knees touch the ground.
   • To assume or remain in a position where the body is supported by the knees, often as a gesture of respect, submission, prayer, or to perform a task.

Usage

• The verb "kneel" describes the action of bending and resting on the knees.
• It is often followed by the preposition "down" (as in "kneel down") to emphasize the motion of lowering oneself.
• It can be used with prepositions like "before," "to," or "at" to indicate the reason or direction of the action (e.g., kneel before the altar).
• Verb Forms: kneel (present), knelt/kneeled (past and past participle). Both "knelt" and "kneeled" are acceptable, with "knelt" being more common in British English.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The knight will kneel before the queen to receive his honor.
  • She knelt to tie her shoelace.
  • Please kneel during the prayer.
  • He had kneeled (or knelt) by the bed to pray.

Advanced Usage

• "to kneel before/to someone/something": to kneel as a sign of reverence, worship, or submission to a person or object.
  • The subjects were expected to kneel before the king.
• "to kneel on something": to have one's knees pressing on a surface.
  • She knelt on the cushion for comfort.

Variants and Related Words

• Kneeler (noun): a person who kneels, or a small bench or cushion for kneeling on.
  • The church provided kneelers for the congregation.
• Kneeling (noun/gerund): the action or position of being on one's knees.
  • The ceremony involved prolonged kneeling.

Synonyms

• Genuflect: To bend the knee, especially in worship (this often implies a brief, formal bending of one knee).
• Bow: To bend the head or upper body forward, often as a sign of respect (does not necessarily involve the knees).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Kneel down: To lower oneself onto one's knees.
  • He knelt down to talk to the child at eye level.

Related Idioms

• (To be) brought to one's knees: To be completely defeated or overwhelmed.
  • The economic crisis brought the industry to its knees.
• On bended knee: In a kneeling position, especially when making a humble or earnest request.
  • He proposed to her on bended knee.

Noun

1. supporting yourself on your knees

Verb

1. rest one's weight on one's knees
   • In church you have to kneel during parts of the service