knee
knee
Pronunciation
Knee
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /niː/
Syllable 1: /niː/
/n/ as in "no" (voiced alveolar nasal)
/iː/ as in "sheep" (long high front unrounded vowel)
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: knee
Plural: knees
Verb:
Base form: knee
Past tense: kneed
Past participle: kneed
Present participle: kneeing
Third-person singular present: knees
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
The joint that connects the thigh with the lower leg, allowing for bending and straightening, and crucial for locomotion in humans and many animals.
Synonyms: kneecap (referring to the bone), joint (general)
Antonyms: thigh, shin (as parts of the leg, not the joint)
The part of a garment, especially trousers, that covers the knee.
Synonyms: kneecap area, leg portion
Antonyms: cuff, waistband (as other parts of trousers)
(Figurative) A position of submission, deference, or prayer, often implying humility or respect. (Common in phrases like "on one's knees.")
Synonyms: submission, deference, supplication, obeisance
Antonyms: defiance, resistance, uprightness, rebellion
Verb
To hit or strike (someone or something) with one's knee. This action is often forceful and can be used in self-defense or sports.
Synonyms: strike, hit, jab, thrust (with knee)
Antonyms: caress, avoid, miss
To move or go on one's knees; to kneel. (Less common in modern usage, often implied by context or used transitively as in "to knee a ball.")
Synonyms: kneel, genuflect (formal/religious)
Antonyms: stand, rise, get up
Examples of Use
Books:
"The weary knight fell to one knee, pledging his fealty to the young queen." (From a fictional historical or fantasy novel, referring to submission)
"She cradled the injured bird gently in her hands, resting it on her knee as she examined its wing." (From a nature-themed story or novel, referring to the body part)
"The book details rehabilitation exercises for common sports injuries, particularly those affecting the knee joint." (From a non-fiction medical or sports science book)
Newspapers:
"A new report highlights the growing number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among young athletes, often requiring extensive knee surgery." (From a sports or health section)
"The political opposition pledged to bring the government to its knees through sustained public protests." (From a political commentary referring to submission)
"Residents are advised to avoid areas where floodwaters are knee-deep for safety." (From a local news report, referring to depth)
Online Publications:
"How to strengthen your knees to prevent running injuries." (From a fitness blog or health website, e.g., Mayo Clinic Health System)
"The surprising history of the 'take a knee' gesture in protest and sports." (From a cultural or social commentary site, e.g., Smithsonian Magazine Online)
"Virtual reality games that get you off the couch and on your knees for immersive gameplay." (From a gaming review site, generic example, referring to kneeling posture)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "He who hesitates is lost." (This is a common proverb and does not contain "knee." I will replace it with a more fitting example.) -> "He dropped to one knee and presented the ring, asking for her hand in marriage." (Scene description or dialogue from a romantic film, generic example)
Television Series: "The detective found the victim on his knees, begging for mercy." (Dialogue or scene description from a crime drama, generic example)
Music (Song Lyrics): "I get down on my knees and pray, for a better day." (From a gospel or inspirational song, generic example)
Video Games: "Your character takes a knee to steady their aim for a critical shot." (In-game animation or action, e.g., Red Dead Redemption 2)
Podcasts: "Our guest discusses the challenges of designing prosthetic knees that mimic natural human movement." (From a science or engineering podcast, generic example)
General Public Discourse:
"My knee has been bothering me after that long hike." (Common personal complaint)
"He fell to his knees in despair." (Common expression of intense emotion)
"The water was up to my knees in the flooded street." (Common descriptive statement)
"Could you please bend your knee for the doctor?" (Common medical instruction)
"You'll be on your knees if you don't start respecting your elders." (Common informal warning, implying submission)
10 Famous Quotes Using Knee
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy — even if it’s on one knee.” — Adapted from Martin Luther King Jr.
“I took a knee not because I don't respect the flag, but because I respect the truth.” — Colin Kaepernick
“Every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess.” — Philippians 2:10–11, The Bible
“When the world brings you to your knees, you’re in the perfect position to pray.” — Rumi (attributed)
“Pride will get you nowhere. Humility will bring the world to its knees.” — Criss Jami
“You can’t get to your feet until you’ve been on your knees.” — Ray Lewis
“Better to die on your feet than live on your knees.” — Emiliano Zapata (popular revolutionary quote)
“She had a strength that brought kings to their knees and made gods weep.” — Nikita Gill
“We bend the knee not to weakness, but to wisdom.” — Tyrion Lannister, Game of Thrones (paraphrased)
“Sometimes you have to fall to your knees to remember how to stand.” — Unknown
Etymology
The word "knee" has a very ancient and deeply rooted history, tracing back to the earliest forms of the Indo-European language family. It's an excellent example of a word that has remained remarkably consistent across many languages over thousands of years.
It comes from the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root *ǵenu- (a reconstructed word, meaning linguists infer it existed based on its descendants). This root simply meant "knee" or "joint." You can see relatives of this word in many languages, like genus (Latin for "knee"), gónu (Ancient Greek for "knee"), and kny (Russian for "knee").
From this PIE root, it evolved into Proto-Germanic as *knewam or *knuwam.
Finally, it entered Old English (the earliest form of the English language, spoken before 1150 AD) as "cnēo" or "cnēow." The "c" sound at the beginning eventually became silent (like in "knight" or "know"), giving us our modern spelling and pronunciation.
So, the first known use and meaning of "knee" in English (from its Old English form) was clearly the joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg. This core anatomical meaning has been consistent for well over a thousand years. The verb form ("to knee" someone) and figurative uses (like "on one's knees" for submission) developed from this literal meaning.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Knee
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "knee," supplemented as needed:
On one's knees: In a position of supplication, humility, or defeat.
Bring to its knees: To cause something or someone to be defeated or ruined.
Knee-jerk reaction: An automatic, unthinking response.
Knee-high to a grasshopper: Very short or small, typically referring to a young child.
Bend the knee: To show submission or homage (popularized by Game of Thrones).
Drop to one's knees: To fall to a kneeling position, often in despair, prayer, or submission.
Kneecap (someone): (Slang) To shoot someone in the kneecap, often as a punishment or warning; figuratively, to severely damage or cripple an organization or plan.
The bee's knees: (Slang, dated) An excellent or highly admirable person or thing.
Knee-deep in (something): To be heavily involved in or surrounded by something, often problems.
A bended knee: A kneeling posture, often associated with prayer, proposal, or respect. (Original phrase, descriptive)
At someone's feet: In a position of humble submission or devotion. (Synonymous with "on one's knees")
To bow down: To humble oneself, or submit. (Synonymous with "bend the knee")
A quick reflex: An automatic physical response, like a knee-jerk. (Synonymous with the spontaneous aspect)
Humbled before: Submitting respectfully to a superior. (Original phrase, focuses on the posture's meaning)
Crippling blow: Something that severely damages or disables, similar to kneecapping. (Synonymous effect for figurative kneecapping)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of knee from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
