Knell definitions
| Word backwards | llenk |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | knell can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, knell is a sound made by a bell, especially when rung solemnly for a death or funeral. As a verb, knell means to ring a bell slowly and solemnly. |
| Syllabic division | knell: knell (1 syllable) |
| Plural | knells |
| Total letters | 5 |
| Vogais (1) | e |
| Consonants (3) | k,n,l |
When one hears the sound of a bell tolling slowly and solemnly, it is often referred to as a knell. The term "knell" is used to describe the sound of a funeral bell, traditionally rung to announce someone's death and to mark a moment of sorrow and mourning.
Origins of Knell
The word "knell" has its origins in Old English, coming from the word "cnyll," which means to toll or strike a bell. The practice of ringing bells to announce death or other somber occasions dates back centuries, with the sound of a bell carrying a sense of finality and respect.
Symbolism of Knell
The knell holds a deep symbolic significance in many cultures and religions, representing the transition between life and death. The tolling of a bell can evoke feelings of sadness, reflection, and remembrance, serving as a reminder of the inevitable end that awaits us all.
Usage of Knell
While the term "knell" is often associated with funeral bells, it can also be used more broadly to signify the end of something or the approaching demise of a situation or event. In literature and poetry, the knell is frequently employed as a metaphor for loss, change, and the passage of time.
In conclusion, the sound of a knell is more than just a tolling bell; it is a profound symbol of mortality, transition, and the universal experience of loss. Whether heard in a churchyard, a graveyard, or within the depths of one's mind, the knell resonates with a haunting beauty that speaks to the depths of the human soul.
Knell Examples
- The solemn knell of the church bells echoed through the village.
- The knell of the approaching deadline made him work faster.
- The mournful knell of the trumpet played at the funeral.
- The distant knell of thunder warned of an incoming storm.
- The knell of the old grandfather clock marked the passage of time.
- The haunting knell of the wind in the night kept her awake.
- The solemn knell of the bell signaled the end of the ceremony.
- The knell of defeat in his voice was evident after the loss.
- The ominous knell of the warning bell made everyone evacuate the building.
- The haunting knell of the ancient curse sent chills down her spine.