How Do You Spell KNELL?

Pronunciation: [nˈɛl] (IPA)

The word "knell" is spelled with a silent "k" before the "n" sound. This represents a common pattern in English where a "k" or "g" is used before "n" or "gn" to indicate a velar nasal sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "knell" is represented as /nɛl/. The symbol "/" represents a phoneme or sound, while the letters that follow indicate the specific sound. The "ɛ" represents a short "e" sound, and the "l" represents a voiced alveolar lateral consonant.

KNELL Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "knell" refers to a solemn and mournful sound or ringing, typically associated with funeral or death-related ceremonies. It is often produced by the striking of a large bell or a series of bells. As a noun, "knell" represents the tolling sound itself, while as a verb, it indicates the action of a bell tolling, usually in a slow and deliberate manner.

    When used in its noun form, a "knell" suggests the traditional tolling of a bell to mark the passing of a loved one or to signal the final moments of any significant event. The sound of a knell is known to be deep and resonant, resonating with a sense of finality and somberness. As a verb, "knell" embodies the action of ringing a bell with a specific purpose, often to convey a particular message or to solemnize an occasion.

    In metaphorical contexts, the word "knell" may be employed to describe a similar sense of finality or an omen of something coming to an end. It can indicate the occurrence of a significant change or a downturn in events, often associated with a negative or ominous connotation. For instance, the phrase "the knell of democracy" could suggest a symbolic representation of the decline or erosion of democratic values in a particular society.

    Overall, "knell" encompasses both the auditory and symbolic aspects of a resonating toll or peal, signifying the marking of a conclusion, a death, or a profound transformation.

  2. The stroke or tolling of a bell; the sound of a bell or bells rung at a person's death or funeral.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for KNELL *

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for KNELL

Etymology of KNELL

The word "knell" originated from the Old English word "cnyllan", which means "to strike a bell". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "knallōną". The term has been used for centuries to refer to the sound of a bell, particularly a funeral bell tolling solemnly to announce a death or mournful event.

Idioms with the word KNELL

  • sound the death knell for sth The idiom "sound the death knell for something" refers to an action or event that signifies the end or destruction of something, often used in a metaphorical sense. It implies that the thing being referred to will no longer exist or is destined to fail.
  • sound/toll the death knell The idiom "sound/toll the death knell" refers to the act of signaling or announcing the imminent end or downfall of something, often symbolizing a final blow or catalyst for irreversible change. It signifies the moment when something is destined to come to an end or face its demise. The term "death knell" originated from the practice of using bells to announce a death in a community.
  • sound the death knell for The idiom "sound the death knell for" means to bring about the end or downfall of something, usually through a series of events or actions that lead to its demise. It implies the final blow or decisive action that leads to the complete extinction or termination of a person, organization, idea, or concept.
  • sound the death knell The idiom "sound the death knell" is used to describe a situation or event that marks the imminent end or failure of something. It originates from the practice of ringing a funeral bell, known as a death knell, to announce someone's death. Figuratively, it implies the final blow or signal that signals the demise or downfall of a particular entity, idea, or hope.
  • toll or sound the death knell The idiom "toll or sound the death knell" means to announce or signal the decline, termination, or impending end of something, often referring to an institution, practice, or idea. It suggests that the situation or entity is in a critical condition and is about to cease or be replaced. The phrase is derived from the tolling of a bell, historically used to inform people of a death in a community.
  • death knell The idiom "death knell" refers to a sign or event that signals the imminent demise, downfall, or end of something, often an institution, idea, or plan. It is derived from the literal tolling of bells used traditionally to announce a death in a community, marking the finality and importance of the moment.
  • sound the death knell of something The idiom "sound the death knell of something" means to mark or signal the approaching end or demise of something, usually an institution, practice, tradition, belief, or idea. It signifies a crucial or decisive event that leads to the downfall or extinction of that particular thing.
  • toll the death knell The idiom "toll the death knell" means to announce or signal the impending end or demise of something or someone, often symbolizing its final moments or downfall. It refers to the act of ringing a bell, usually a deep, solemn bell, traditionally done in olden times to mark the death of a person. Consequently, when we say "toll the death knell," we are metaphorically indicating the end or approaching demise of a particular situation, idea, organization, or even a person's hopes or aspirations.
  • ring the knell of (something) The idiom "ring the knell of (something)" means to herald or signal the end or demise of something. It is a metaphorical reference to the tolling of a bell, traditionally used to announce a death or funeral. Thus, the phrase suggests the impending downfall, closure, or termination of a particular event, era, institution, or concept.
  • ring the knell of The idiom "ring the knell of" means to announce or signal the impending end or demise of something, typically symbolized by the tolling of a bell. It implies the beginning of a significant change or the arrival of a grave situation that will lead to the downfall or closure of a person, object, idea, or institution. The phrase often conveys a sense of finality and irreversible consequences.

Similar spelling words for KNELL

Plural form of KNELL is KNELLS

Conjugate verb Knell

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have knelled
you would have knelled
he/she/it would have knelled
we would have knelled
they would have knelled
I would have knell
you would have knell
he/she/it would have knell
we would have knell
they would have knell

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been knelling
you would have been knelling
he/she/it would have been knelling
we would have been knelling
they would have been knelling

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would knell
you would knell
he/she/it would knell
we would knell
they would knell

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be knelling
you would be knelling
he/she/it would be knelling
we would be knelling
they would be knelling

FUTURE

I will knell
you will knell
he/she/it will knell
we will knell
they will knell

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be knelling
you will be knelling
he/she/it will be knelling
we will be knelling
they will be knelling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have knelled
you will have knelled
he/she/it will have knelled
we will have knelled
they will have knelled

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been knelling
you will have been knelling
he/she/it will have been knelling
we will have been knelling
they will have been knelling

IMPERATIVE

you knell
we let´s knell

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to knell

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was knelling
you were knelling
he/she/it was knelling
we were knelling
they were knelling

PAST PARTICIPLE

knelled

PAST PERFECT

I had knelled
you had knelled
he/she/it had knelled
we had knelled
they had knelled

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been knelling
you had been knelling
he/she/it had been knelling
we had been knelling
they had been knelling

PRESENT

I knell
you knell
he/she/it knells
we knell
they knell

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am knelling
you are knelling
he/she/it is knelling
we are knelling
they are knelling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

knelling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have knelled
you have knelled
he/she/it has knelled
we have knelled
they have knelled

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been knelling
you have been knelling
he/she/it has been knelling
we have been knelling
they have been knelling

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it knell

SIMPLE PAST

I knelled
you knelled
he/she/it knelled
we knelled
they knelled

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