knielen — meaning in English

English meaning

• kneel verb To lower the body so that one or both knees rest on the ground.
• kowtow verb To kneel and bow so low that the forehead touches the ground, as a sign of deep respect or submission.

Senses

knielen is used for these senses in English:

• kneel (intransitive) To rest on one's bent knees, sometimes only one; to move to such a position.
• kowtow (historical) To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.

kowtow — full definition

1. verb To kneel and bow so low that the forehead touches the ground, as a sign of deep respect or submission.
2. verb To act in an excessively submissive or obedient way toward someone.
3. noun The act of kowtowing.

Related Dutch words