What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prosternate
Example
The devotees prosternated themselves before the altar. [prosternate: verb]
Example
He felt compelled to prosternate himself before the king as a sign of loyalty. [prosternating: gerund or present participle]
kneel
Example
She knelt down to tie her shoelaces. [kneel: verb]
Example
The congregation knelt in prayer during the church service. [kneeling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kneel is more commonly used than prosternate in everyday language. Kneel is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while prosternate is less common and refers to a more extreme form of submission or reverence.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between prosternate and kneel?
Prosternate is typically associated with a formal and solemn tone, while kneel can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
