What is knee? Pronunciation and usage in English

knee means . Learn how to pronounce and use knee through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of knee

kneenoun

/niː/
Definition & pronunciation of knee

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "knee" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners!

Here's the most common and accepted pronunciation:

  • ˈniː (rhymes with "see")

Let’s break it down further:

  • ˈniː - This is the stressed syllable. The 'n' is pronounced as a clear, voiced "n" (like in "night"). The 'ee' is pronounced like the sound in "see" or "meet."
  • -ee - The short 'i' sound at the end is almost silent. It’s a very quick, light sound that doesn't really change the overall vowel sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the 'ee' sound: That's the key! Really elongate the "ee" sound.
  • Say "see" and then quickly drop the "ee" sound: Think of it as a rapid "see".
  • Don’t add an extra ‘y’ sound: Some people accidentally add a "y" sound at the end (like "knee-y"). This is incorrect.

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Usage and examples with the word knee in English

Let's break down how to use the word "knee" in English! It's a surprisingly versatile word. Here's a breakdown of its different meanings and how to use it in sentences:

1. The Body Part (Most Common)

  • Definition: The joint connecting the thigh to the shinbone, allowing you to bend and straighten your leg.
  • Usage: This is the most frequent use of the word.
  • Examples:
    • "He twisted his knee while playing soccer."
    • "She has a bad knee and needs to see a doctor."
    • "I iced my knee to reduce the swelling."
    • "The runner limped with a strained knee."
    • "She bent her knee to pick up the toy."

2. To Kneel (Verb)

  • Definition: To bend the body downwards with the knees bent, often as a gesture of respect, supplication, or mourning.
  • Usage: Used as an action.
  • Examples:
    • “He kneeled before the altar.” (Religious context)
    • “The prisoner kneeled for inspection.” (Legal context)
    • “She kneeled down to help her child.” (Affectionate context)
    • “He kneeled in the mud after the rain.” (Less formal)

3. Knees (Plural)

  • Definition: The plural form of “knee.”
  • Usage: Use when referring to multiple knees.
  • Examples:
    • "She has lovely blonde knees." (Figurative/descriptive - often used in writing)
    • "He pulled his knees up to his chest."

4. Idiomatic Expressions – These are where it gets interesting!

  • “Knock on (one's) knees”: To beg someone for something, usually with humility and desperation.
    • “He knocked on his father’s knees for forgiveness.”
  • “Get down on (one’s) knees”: Similar to “knock on one’s knees,” but often implying a more profound or emotional plea.
    • “She got down on her knees to pray.”
  • “Knee-high”: As high as the knee.
    • “The water was knee-high.”
  • “To take (something) on the knee” (British English): To handle a responsibility or task. (Less common in American English)
    • "He took the project on the knee."

5. Figurative Use

  • Sometimes, “knee” can be used metaphorically to represent a point of weakness or vulnerability. (This is less common and often more literary.)

Tips for Using "Knee" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of “knee” depends heavily on the situation.
  • Be mindful of formality: Some of the idiomatic expressions are more formal than others.
  • Pronunciation: The stress is usually on the first syllable: “knee.”

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Synonyms for the word knee

Idioms of the word knee

at your mother’s knee
when you were very young
  • I learnt these songs at my mother's knee.
the bee’s knees
(informal)an excellent person or thing
  • She thinks she's the bee's knees (= she has a very high opinion of herself).
bring somebody to their knees
to defeat somebody, especially in a war
    bring something to its knees
    to badly affect an organization, etc. so that it can no longer function
    • The strikes brought the industry to its knees.
    • The fuel shortage brought the country to its knees within weeks.
    on bended knee(s)
    if you ask for something on bended knee(s), you ask for it in a very anxious and/or humble way (= showing you think you are less important than the person you are asking)
    • I’d go down on bended knee if I thought she’d change her mind.
    put somebody over your knee
    to punish somebody by making them lie on top of your knee and hitting their bottom
      take a/the knee
      to kneel on one knee in public in order to protest about the unfair treatment of black people
      • Officers at the rally were seen taking a knee in solidarity with the demonstrators.
      weak at the knees
      (informal)hardly able to stand because of emotion, fear, illness, etc.
      • His sudden smile made her go weak at the knees.

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