neal
v. B1 Intermediate US //ˈniɫ// neal
v. to rest on your knees or go down into a position where your knees touch the floor. You often do this to pray, show respect, or look at something close to the ground.
v. to rest on one or both knees; to move into a position where the body is supported by the knees. Often used in religious, ceremonial, or practical contexts.
Usage
The verb is intransitive and often pairs with the particle 'down'. The past tense and past participle can be either 'knelt' or 'kneeled'.
Pitfall
He kneeled down to the floorHe knelt on the floorWhile 'kneeled' is acceptable, 'knelt' is more common in British English; additionally, one kneels 'on' a surface rather than 'to' it unless expressing a direction or recipient of respect.