DEATH KNELLS Meaning and
Definition
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Death knells are a symbolic term that refers to the tolling of a bell, or a series of bells, specifically used to announce or signify the death of an individual. The term itself is often used in a metaphorical sense, extending beyond the literal act of tolling bells. It signifies a sign or an omen indicating the end or downfall of something significant, with profound implications.
Literally, the tolling of death knells has historically been a way for communities to inform their members of a death, often in a church or town square. This concept has since evolved to represent a gloomy and somber atmosphere, evoking feelings of sadness and foreboding. Symbolically, death knells can represent the end of an era, a loss of hope, or the demise of an institution, idea, or relationship.
The term is commonly used in literature and poetry to evoke a sense of impending doom or finality. It can also symbolize the end of life, both literally and metaphorically, with a resounding finality. In this sense, death knells can reflect the ominous or eerie aftermath of death, or the foreshadowing of an imminent demise.
Overall, death knells are a literary and symbolic representation of finality, often associated with the end of life or the disintegration of something significant. Through the use of tolling bells, the term conjures feelings of sorrow, loss, and the end of an era, adding depth and gravitas to various artistic and literary works.
Common Misspellings for DEATH KNELLS
- seath knells
- xeath knells
- ceath knells
- feath knells
- reath knells
- eeath knells
- dwath knells
- dsath knells
- ddath knells
- drath knells
- d4ath knells
- d3ath knells
- dezth knells
- desth knells
- dewth knells
- deqth knells
- dearh knells
- deafh knells
- deagh knells
Etymology of DEATH KNELLS
The word "death knells" is a combination of two terms: "death" and "knells".
1. "Death": The origin of the word "death" can be traced back to the Old English word "dēað", which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages. The Proto-Germanic root of "death" is "dauthuz". It ultimately derives from the Indo-European root "*dheu-" or "*dheuǝ-", which means "to die" or "to pass away".
2. "Knells": The term "knells" comes from the Old English word "cnyllan", which means "to sound or ring loudly or mournfully". It is thought to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "knellaną".
