SnapPhonics

kneel

NEEL/ˈniːl/verb
  1. verbTo go down onto your knees.

  2. verbTo make someone go down onto their knees.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

kneel

1 syllable

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

kn

Phonics Rule: Silent K in KN

In KN, the K is silent! You only say /n/, like in 'know' and 'knee'.

When K comes before N at the beginning of a word, the K is completely silent. You only pronounce the N. This comes from Old English when the K was actually pronounced.

Tip

K is silent when N is next — knock, knock, who's there? Just N!

Examples

ee

Phonics Rule: EE Vowel Team

When two E's are together, they say long E, like in 'tree' and 'see'.

The vowel team 'ee' almost always makes the long E sound /iː/. This is one of the most reliable vowel teams in English.

Tip

Two E's together always agree — they say /iː/!

Examples

l

Phonics Rule: Letter L

The letter L makes the /l/ sound, like in 'lamp', 'leg', and 'lip'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.

L is a voiced lateral approximant — the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth while air flows around the sides. Double L (ll) makes the same /l/ sound.

Tip

L is for lamp — light it up with /l/!

Examples

What is SnapPhonics?

A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.

Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.