How Do You Spell KNOT?

Pronunciation: [nˈɒt] (IPA)

The word knot is spelled with four letters, but its pronunciation is not straightforward. The IPA phonetic transcription for knot is /nɑt/. The ‘k’ sound in knot is silent, often causing confusion for non-native speakers. The ‘o’ sound is pronounced as a short ‘ah’ sound, followed by a ‘t’ sound that has minimal aspiration. To correctly pronounce knot, remember to make the ‘k’ silent and emphasize the ‘o’ sound as ‘ah’.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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KNOT Meaning and Definition

  1. A knot is a unit of measure used in nautical navigation, commonly defined as one nautical mile per hour. It is primarily used to indicate the speed of a water vessel or aircraft relative to the water or air in which it is moving. The term originated from the practice of using a log line, a rope with knots spaced at uniform intervals, to measure the speed of a ship in knots. When the log line was thrown overboard, a sandglass or chronometer was used to measure the time it took for a certain number of knots to pass through the sailor's hands, and hence the speed of the ship was determined.

    In modern times, the knot is more precisely defined as exactly 1,852 meters per hour, equivalent to 1.15078 miles per hour. This unit of measure is internationally recognized and widely used in maritime and aviation contexts. It is valued for its straightforward and standardized conversion to other speed units, allowing for easy communication and coordination among navigators and air traffic controllers.

    Beyond its use as a speed measurement, the term "knot" can also refer to a fastening made by tying together two or more pieces of string, rope, or other flexible material. In this sense, it denotes a secure and often intricate method of joining or binding objects together. Knots are utilized for various purposes, including in sailing, rock climbing, knitting, and many other activities where a tight and reliable connection is essential.

  2. 1. An intertwining of the ends of two cords, tapes, or other elongated flexible bodies in such a way that they cannot be separated; or a similar twining or infolding of a cord in its continuity. 2. In anatomy or pathology, a node, ganglion, or circumscribed swelling suggestive of a knot.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • Knotted.
    • KNOTTINESS.
    • A tie; an interweaving or uniting of thread, cord, or rope at one point; any bond of union; a dark hard part in wood; a collection; a group; a small band; a difficulty; something so intricate as not easily to be solved; among seamen, a division of the log-line, so called from the line being divided into equal parts of 50 ft. by pieces of string rove through the strands; the rate at which a ship sails at sea, the rate and distance being measured by the knots run out in half a minute-thus nine knots run out in half a minute denote sailing at the rate of nine nautical miles per hour; a nautical mile; in bot., a swelling in some stems where the attachment of the leaves takes place.
    • To tie; to unite; to form knots or joints.

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

Top Common Misspellings for KNOT *

* 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 KNOT

Etymology of KNOT

The word "knot" has its origins in Old English, being derived from the Proto-Germanic word "knuttaz". It is also related to the Middle Low German word "knütte" and the Middle Dutch word "knop". These words all referred to a knob-like or rounded mass, which eventually developed the specific meaning of a tie or fastening made by intertwining or interlacing. The Old English spelling of the word was "cnotta", which gradually transformed into "knot" over time.

Idioms with the word KNOT

  • tie the knot The idiom "tie the knot" means to get married or enter into a matrimonial union.
  • knot up The idiom "knot up" often refers to the act of becoming tense or anxious, causing one's muscles to tighten. It is commonly used to describe feelings of stress, worry, or nervousness.
  • cut the Gordian knot The idiom "cut the Gordian knot" refers to solving a complex problem in a bold, decisive, or unorthodox manner. It derives from a legend where Alexander the Great, faced with the seemingly impossible task of untying a knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia, simply cut it with his sword. Thus, it implies taking drastic action or making a bold decision to overcome a difficult or complicated situation.
  • seek a knot in a bulrush The idiom "seek a knot in a bulrush" means to look for flaws or faults in something that is inherently flawless or perfect. It refers to the futile act of searching for problems or imperfections in a situation or person that cannot be faulted.
  • get (one's) panties in a knot The idiom "get (one's) panties in a knot" means to become overly upset, agitated, or angry about something that is trivial or insignificant. It suggests that someone is unnecessarily making a big deal out of a situation, often resulting in an exaggerated emotional reaction. The idiom is often used humorously to imply that someone is overreacting or being overly sensitive.
  • knot together The idiom "knot together" typically means to unite or connect closely, often referring to people or ideas coming together in a strong bond or association. It implies the act of intertwining or entangling different elements to form a cohesive whole.
  • tie something in a knot The idiom "tie something in a knot" refers to deliberately twisting, entangling, or looping something, such as a rope or a piece of fabric, in a way that creates a complex or tangled structure. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or problem that is incredibly complicated or difficult to unravel.
  • cut/untie the Gordian knot The idiom "cut/untie the Gordian knot" refers to a bold and decisive action taken to solve a complex problem or situation, often by bypassing conventional or conventional methods. It is derived from the legend of Gordius, an ancient king who tied an intricate knot which was said to be impossible to untie. According to the legend, Alexander the Great simply cut the knot with his sword, demonstrating that a simple and direct approach can sometimes be more effective than attempting to unravel a complex issue. Consequently, "cut/untie the Gordian knot" symbolizes finding a quick and efficient solution by thinking outside the box or breaking established rules.
  • knot sth together The idiom "knot sth together" refers to the act of joining or connecting different parts or elements, usually in a haphazard or makeshift manner. It often suggests a temporary or improvised solution, rather than a well-organized or permanent arrangement.
  • balloon knot The idiom "balloon knot" is a slang term that is often used to refer to the anus or the act of anal intercourse.
  • a Gordian knot The idiom "a Gordian knot" refers to a complex or intricate problem that seems impossible to solve. It derives from a legend associated with Gordius, a Greek king, who tied a knot so intricate that it was said only the person who could untie it would be able to rule all of Asia. To "untie the Gordian knot" metaphorically means to solve a complicated problem by taking a direct and bold approach, often bypassing conventional methods.
  • tie in a knot The idiom "tie in a knot" means to twist or secure something, typically a cord or rope, into the shape of a knot by intertwining its ends or parts together. It can also be used figuratively to describe causing confusion or difficulties in a situation.
  • get (one's) shorts in a knot The idiom "get one's shorts in a knot" means to become overly upset, agitated, or anxious about a particular situation, often to an excessive or unnecessary degree. It implies that someone is getting worked up or making a fuss about something that may not be worth the level of concern or stress.
  • get (one's) knickers in a knot The idiom "get (one's) knickers in a knot" means to become excessively annoyed, upset, or agitated about something, often overreacting or getting excessively worked up over a minor issue. The emphasis is on the overreaction and unnecessary distress caused by a relatively unimportant situation or event.
  • tie sth in a knot The idiom "tie something in a knot" refers to the act of twisting or folding something in such a way that it forms a knot, typically making it difficult to untangle or undo. This can also be used metaphorically to describe a complex or confusing situation or problem.
  • Gordian knot The idiom "Gordian knot" refers to a complex problem or situation that is difficult to solve or untangle. It originates from the legend of the Gordian Knot, a seemingly unsolvable knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia. According to the legend, whoever could unravel the knot would rule Asia. When Alexander the Great arrived, he couldn't untie the knot but instead took out his sword and cut it in half, bypassing the need to unravel it. Hence, the phrase "cutting the Gordian knot" also means finding a quick and unconventional solution to a complicated problem.
  • knot something together The idiom "knot something together" means to fasten or tie things securely or tightly, usually by creating a knot. Metaphorically, it can also refer to connecting or intertwining different elements or aspects to form a unified whole or to resolve complex issues.

Similar spelling words for KNOT

Plural form of KNOT is KNOTS

Conjugate verb Knot

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have knotted
you would have knotted
he/she/it would have knotted
we would have knotted
they would have knotted
I would have knot
you would have knot
he/she/it would have knot
we would have knot
they would have knot

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you knot
we let´s knot

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to knot

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

knotted

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I knot
you knot
he/she/it knots
we knot
they knot

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

knotting

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it knot

SIMPLE PAST

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

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Correct spelling for knot
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