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.

Resources for Hearing it:

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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.”

Resources for Further Learning:

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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.

      Practice with vocabulary knee

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The physiotherapist advised him to perform specific exercises to strengthen his ____ muscles after the injury.
      2. To improve balance, the instructor asked them to stand on one ____ and slowly raise the other.
      3. The athlete had to withdraw from the competition due to a sharp pain in his right ____.
      4. Please ensure all members are present at the meeting before we proceed; we are only waiting for the final ____-off from the manager.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

      1. Which of the following actions typically involves bending the knee? a) Standing upright b) Sitting down c) Kicking a ball d) Lying flat on your back

      2. A common injury involving the joint connecting the thigh and lower leg is often referred to as a ____ injury. a) elbow b) ankle c) knee d) shoulder

      3. Which of these phrases correctly uses the word "knee" in a common idiom or expression? a) "To have a strong ____ jerk reaction." b) "To bring someone to their ____." c) "To be down on one ____." d) "To turn a blind ____."

      4. Which of these terms refers to the long bone in the upper part of the leg? a) Tibia b) Fibula c) Femur d) Radius

      5. If someone is described as being "all thumbs," what does it imply? a) They are very skilled. b) They are clumsy or awkward. c) They are missing fingers. d) They are extremely fast.

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Original: He had to lower his body to pick up the dropped pen from the floor. Rewrite using "knee" or related word forms: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      2. Original: The doctor examined the main joint in her leg for signs of injury. Rewrite using "knee" or related word forms: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      3. Original: Due to a severe injury, the athlete was advised to use crutches to avoid putting weight on his knee. Rewrite without using "knee": __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. knee
      2. leg
      3. knee
      4. sign

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. b) Sitting down, c) Kicking a ball
      2. c) knee
      3. a) knee, b) knees, c) knee
      4. c) Femur
      5. b) They are clumsy or awkward.

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. He had to bend his knees to pick up the dropped pen from the floor.
      2. The doctor examined her knee for signs of injury.
      3. Due to a severe injury, the athlete was advised to use crutches to avoid putting weight on his injured leg.

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