kneeling
/ˈniːlɪŋ/
adjective
Origin
Old English
cnēowlian — to kneel
Overview
Meaning Now
- In a position supported by one or both knees on the ground.
Literal older meaning
the act of being in a state of knee-bending or resting on knees
Language path
Proto-Indo-European → Proto-Germanic → Old English → Middle English → English
Earliest form
cnelen
Earliest period
Middle English, 13th century
Journey
The concept of kneeling historically signifies submission, reverence, or prayer. The word reflects the ancient Germanic structure derived from the Proto-Indo-European word for 'knee'.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*ǵónu
“knee”
Root for knee-related terms in Germanic languages.
- Old English
cnēowlian
“to kneel”
Derived from 'cnēow' (knee).
- Middle English
knelen
“to kneel”
- Modern English
kneeling
“position with knees on the ground”
Present participle of 'kneel' used as an adjective or noun (gerund).
Connections
Word parts
kneel
root
to rest on the knees
-ing
suffix
forming a participle or gerund
Related across languages
German
knien
to kneel
Dutch
knielen
to kneel
Related words
Explore next
Related to kneeling
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.