kjolen
B1Formal, Neutral, Religious
Definition
Meaning
To bend the leg(s) and lower the body to rest on the knee(s), typically as a sign of reverence, submission, or in prayer.
To assume or be in a position where the body is supported by the knees, often for practical purposes (e.g., gardening, fixing something low) or metaphorical submission.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The action often implies respect, humility, supplication, or vulnerability. It can be voluntary (prayer) or forced (captivity).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The past tense/participle forms 'knelt' (BrE preferred) and 'kneeled' (AmE slightly more common) show minor variation in frequency.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects, strongly associated with religion, monarchy, and formal ceremony.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Slightly more common in religious or formal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] kneel[subject] kneel down[subject] kneel before [object][subject] kneel on [surface]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “kneel at the altar of (figurative: show excessive devotion to)”
- “bring someone to their knees (figurative: defeat or subdue)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in metaphorical sense: 'The new regulations brought the industry to its knees.'
Academic
Historical/religious studies: 'Subjects were required to kneel before the monarch.'
Everyday
Common for describing actions in prayer, gardening, playing with children, or proposing marriage.
Technical
Medical/rehab: 'The patient experienced pain when asked to kneel.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The knight knelt before the queen.
- She knelt to weed the flower bed.
- They have knelt in this chapel for centuries.
American English
- He kneeled to propose.
- Kneel down and check under the bed.
- The protesters knelt in silence.
adjective
British English
- A kneeling figure was carved into the memorial.
- The kneeling penitent sought forgiveness.
American English
- The kneeling statue was a gift from the city.
- He assumed a kneeling position.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please kneel down.
- He kneels to pray every night.
- The footballer knelt after scoring a goal.
- She knelt on the floor to find her contact lens.
- The captured soldiers were forced to kneel.
- Kneeling on hard surfaces can hurt your knees.
- The movement's iconography often features kneeling figures of resistance.
- He refused to kneel before the usurper, choosing death instead.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the word 'knee' is inside 'kneel' – you need your KNEE to kneEL.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNEELING IS SUBMISSION / KNEELING IS RESPECT / BEING FORCED TO KNEEL IS DEFEAT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from Russian 'становиться на колени' as separate words. 'Kneel' is a single verb.
- Do not confuse with 'crawl' (ползать). Kneeling is a static position on knees.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect past tense: 'He kneeled down' (acceptable AmE) vs 'He knelt down' (standard BrE, also correct AmE).
- Using 'kneel' without 'down' when describing the action: 'She knelt (down) to tie her shoe.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for kneeling?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Genuflect' is more specific, meaning to bend one knee briefly as a formal sign of reverence, especially in Christian church ritual. 'Kneel' is more general.
Both are correct past and past participle forms. 'Knelt' is more common in British English, while 'kneeled' is slightly more frequent in American English, though both are understood everywhere.
Yes, though 'kneel down' is a very common phrasal verb for the action. 'Kneel' alone can describe the state or position (e.g., 'the statue kneels').
The most direct opposite action is 'stand up' or 'rise'. The opposite state is 'standing'.