French translation of kneeling is 
à genoux

Meaning of "kneeling" in English

Kneeling is a position where one or both knees touch the ground, often signifying reverence, submission, or a stance of prayer. It is a posture taken commonly in religious contexts, during protests, or as a traditional show of respect. Beyond religious or ceremonial use, kneeling can also be a position of convenience for certain tasks or activities requiring stability and ground contact, such as gardening or construction work. The act of kneeling conveys humility and acknowledgment of a higher power or authority.

Meaning of "à genoux" in French

The expression "à genoux" in French translates to the English word "kneeling," referring to the act of bending down with one or both knees touching the ground. This position is often used in various contexts to express submission, respect, or devotion, similar to its usage in English-speaking cultures. In religious settings, being "à genoux" signifies piety and reverence. Additionally, it is employed during moments requiring close interaction with the ground or when demonstrating a particular emotional state or bond in personal and cultural interactions.

Pronunciation of "kneeling" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈniː.lɪŋ/

Pronunciation Variations: In American English, "kneeling" is typically pronounced with a prominent long "ee" sound, whereas in British English, it may have a slightly softer and more clipped sound. The pronunciation does not significantly change across various English-speaking regions, though minor differences in intonation might occur.

Pronunciation of "à genoux" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /a ʒə.nu/

Pronunciation Variations: The phrase "à genoux" is pronounced consistently across French-speaking regions, though there may be slight variations in the nasal quality of the "nu" syllable depending on regional accents, such as in Quebec or Southern France, where intonations might slightly differ.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. He was kneeling by the bedside, saying his nightly prayers. (Il était à genoux près du lit, disant ses prières nocturnes.)
2. The servant was kneeling before the king as a sign of respect. (Le serviteur était à genoux devant le roi en signe de respect.)
3. During the ceremony, the participants were kneeling in reverence. (Pendant la cérémonie, les participants étaient à genoux par révérence.)
4. She found her lost ring while kneeling in the garden. (Elle a trouvé sa bague perdue en étant à genoux dans le jardin.)
5. The protesters were kneeling in silence to make a powerful statement. (Les manifestants étaient à genoux en silence pour faire une déclaration forte.)
6. He was kneeling to tie his shoelaces. (Il était à genoux pour nouer ses lacets.)
7. The child was kneeling to play with his toys on the floor. (L'enfant était à genoux pour jouer avec ses jouets sur le sol.)
8. Kneeling in front of the altar, she prayed for peace. (À genoux devant l'autel, elle priait pour la paix.)
9. The athlete was kneeling, preparing for the race to begin. (L'athlète était à genoux, se préparant pour le début de la course.)
10. They were kneeling on the grass, observing the stars above. (Ils étaient à genoux sur l'herbe, observant les étoiles au-dessus.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "kneeling" in English

Synonyms: crouching, bowing, genuflecting, stooping, crouching, squatting, bending, lowering, resting.

Antonyms: standing, rising, upright, elevating, ascending.

Similar Words: supine, prostrate, inclined, reclined, leaning.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "à genoux" in French

Synonyms: agenouillé, prosterné, abaisser.

Antonyms: debout, relevé, érigé.

Similar Words: accroupi, plié, incliné.

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