What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
genuflected
Example
The priest genuflected before the altar. [genuflected: past tense]
Example
The knight genuflected before the king as a sign of loyalty. [genuflecting: present participle]
kneel
Example
The athlete knelt down to tie his shoelaces. [kneelt: past tense]
Example
The congregation knelt in prayer during the service. [kneeling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kneel is more commonly used than genuflect in everyday language. Kneel is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while genuflect is less common and refers to a specific religious or formal act.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between genuflected and kneel?
Genuflect is typically associated with a formal and religious tone, while kneel is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
