What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kneeling
Example
The congregation knelt in prayer during the church service. [kneel: verb]
Example
He proposed to her while kneeling on one knee. [kneeling: gerund or present participle]
prostration
Example
The monks performed prostrations as part of their daily meditation practice. [prostration: noun]
Example
She collapsed in prostration after running a marathon. [prostration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kneeling is more commonly used than prostration in everyday language. Kneeling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while prostration is less common and primarily used in religious or spiritual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between kneeling and prostration?
Prostration is typically associated with a formal and reverent tone, while kneeling can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
