ajoelhar

Senses

1. 1.

   to kneel, to kneel down

   to get down on one's knees

2. 2.

   to submit, to humble oneself

   to yield or surrender figuratively (often used with 'diante de' or 'perante')

Examples

• "Ele se ajoelhou para pedir a namorada em casamento."

  He knelt down to propose to his girlfriend.

• "Os fiéis se ajoelharam durante a oração."

  The faithful knelt during the prayer.

• "Não vou me ajoelhar diante das injustiças."

  I will not bow down before injustice.

Usage

Commonly used with the reflexive pronoun 'se' (ajoelhar-se), though both forms are acceptable in Brazilian Portuguese. Frequently appears with prepositions 'diante de' or 'perante' meaning 'before' or 'in front of'. In figurative use, it conveys submission or humility.