Pronunciation: [nˈiːlɪŋ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word kneeling is quite tricky because it has a silent "k" and the vowel in the second syllable is represented by "ee". In IPA phonetic transcription, kneeling is spelled /ˈniː.lɪŋ/. The symbol "ˈ" denotes the primary stress on the first syllable, "ni", which rhymes with "fee". The symbol "ː" represents a long vowel sound which is "ee" in this case. The "l" and "g" are both silent in this spelling.
Kneeling is a physical posture in which an individual lowers their body onto their knees with their thighs perpendicular to the ground and their bottom resting on their heels or the ground itself. It involves bending one or both knees and placing them firmly on a supporting surface. Kneeling is a common human action, primarily performed as a gesture of reverence, respect, or submission.
In a religious context, kneeling is often practiced as a sign of devotion, humility, and worship. It is common in various faith traditions during prayer, religious ceremonies, and sacraments. Kneeling can also be observed during rituals or acts of repentance or penance, symbolizing subordination to a higher power or acknowledging one's own imperfections.
Beyond religious contexts, kneeling can be a form of submission or homage in cultural, social, or historical frameworks. It can be seen in various ceremonies, military drills, or when paying respects to national symbols, leaders, or fallen soldiers. Furthermore, kneeling is sometimes required in specific sports or physical activities, such as yoga or prayer in martial arts, to foster balance, stability, and concentration.
Overall, kneeling is a physical act that involves the lowering of one's body onto the knees, typically as a sign of respect, reverence, submission, or devotion. It holds diverse meanings depending on the particular context in which it is performed, spanning from religious rituals and ceremonies to cultural or sporting practices.
• Falling or fallen on the knees.
• Act of one who kneels.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "kneeling" can be traced back to the Old English word "cnēowlian", which means "to kneel". This Old English term is related to the Proto-Germanic word "kneulaną" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*gneh₃-". These origins suggest a common ancestry of the word across various Germanic languages. The word ultimately derives from a root that meant "to bend" or "to bring one's knees together", highlighting the physical action involved in kneeling. Over time, the word has remained relatively unchanged in form and meaning.
