Definition

Noun: The action or position of supporting the weight of your body on your knees, typically with the lower legs bent back and the thighs more or less upright.

Usage

The noun "kneeling" refers to the physical state or act of being on one's knees. It is often used to describe a posture of humility, prayer, submission, or when performing a task close to the ground.

Examples

• The kneeling of the knight before the queen was a sign of loyalty.
• She was in a position of kneeling while weeding the garden.
• The priest assumed a posture of kneeling during the prayer.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in a kneeling position": To have one's body supported on the knees.
  • The mechanic was in a kneeling position to reach under the car.
• "to take up a kneeling posture": To deliberately adopt the kneeling position.
  • The protesters took up a kneeling posture in silent demonstration.

Variants and Related Words

• Kneel (verb): To go into or be in a position where the body is supported on the knees.
  • He had to kneel to tie his shoe.
• Kneeler (noun): A person who kneels, or a cushion or bench for kneeling on.
  • The kneelers in the chapel were padded.

Synonyms

• Genuflection (specifically a brief kneeling on one knee, often as a ritual gesture)
• Being on bended knee

Related Phrases

• "to fall to one's knees": To suddenly kneel, often due to emotion, exhaustion, or force.
  • He fell to his knees in gratitude.
• "on one's knees": In a kneeling position; (idiomatically) in a state of desperation or pleading.
  • She was on her knees, begging for forgiveness.

Noun

1. supporting yourself on your knees