Knee Meaning
Knee Definition & Usage
The joint between the thigh and the lower leg in humans and many animals. It allows the leg to bend and is essential for walking and running.
Examples
- "She hurt her knee during the marathon."
- "The doctor examined his knee after he complained of swelling."
- "He twisted his knee playing soccer, and now he can't walk properly."
- "Knee injuries are common in contact sports like football."
- "The athlete was advised to rest his knee after surgery."
A position of submission or respect, often used in the phrase 'to bend the knee', meaning to yield or submit to someone.
Examples
- "The knights bent the knee to their king, pledging loyalty."
- "In ancient times, it was customary to bend the knee to the emperor."
- "He had to bend the knee to the corporate giants in order to get ahead in his career."
- "In the court of law, the defendant must bend the knee to the authority of the judge."
- "She bent the knee, acknowledging her failure in front of the board."
To bend or kneel on one or both knees, often as an act of reverence, prayer, or physical action.
Examples
- "He kneeled in front of her and proposed marriage."
- "The soldier kneeled to tie his boots, resting momentarily."
- "She kneeled in prayer, asking for guidance."
- "They kneeled before the altar during the ceremony."
- "The injured player kneeled on the field, waiting for medical attention."
Cultural Context
The knee, as a joint, has been central to human movement and cultural rituals. Kneeling, as a gesture, appears across many traditions: in religion (e.g., praying on one's knees), in feudal practices (e.g., kneeling to a monarch or lord), and in social contexts (e.g., proposing marriage). Injury to the knee is also a common theme in sports and healthcare.
The King's Dilemma
Story
The King's Dilemma
In the grand hall of Castle Larken, the king sat at the head of the long, oaken table, a map spread out before him. His advisor, Sir Alistair, had just presented a troubling report from the northern territories. Rebels had risen, and the king would have to make a difficult choice: send his army, or negotiate for peace. The decision weighed heavily on his heart. He glanced at his old friend, Lord Roderick, who was seated across from him, his hands clasped tightly around his goblet. ‘What do you suggest, old friend?’ the king asked, his voice weary. ‘Your majesty,’ Lord Roderick said with a solemn bow, ‘sometimes it is best to bend the knee, not with weakness, but with wisdom. The rebels are not as strong as they claim. We can break them without bloodshed.’ The king sighed. He knew that a show of force might win the day, but it could cost lives. Kneeling was a symbol of respect and submission, but it also took strength to offer peace rather than war. Meanwhile, in the castle's training yard, young Sir Geoffrey, the king's knight, was engaged in a sparring match. As he dodged a blow, his knee buckled, and he fell to the ground. The healers rushed to his side, but Sir Geoffrey only winced, refusing their help. ‘It’s nothing,’ he grunted, as he slowly rose to his feet. ‘A knee can bend, but a knight never breaks.’ Back in the hall, the king's decision was made. He would bend the knee, not to the rebels, but to the possibility of peace. And as for Sir Geoffrey, he would find that even the strongest knight could sometimes be brought to his knees, if only for a moment. Later that evening, as the king knelt in prayer, seeking guidance from the gods, he reflected on the words of his old friend. It wasn’t weakness to kneel—it was wisdom. The knee, like the king, must bend when necessary, but never break.
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