The word "knells" is used to describe the sound of a bell when it rings slowly and mournfully, usually during a funeral or a tragic event. Its spelling can be rather confusing, as the "k" is silent and the "n" is pronounced as an "n" sound. The first "l" is also silent, and the second "l" is pronounced, resulting in the "ells" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, "knells" would be written as /nɛlz/, indicating the silent "k" and the pronounced second "l."
Knells refers to the plural form of the noun "knell," derived from the Old English word "cnyllan" and Middle English word "knellen" meaning "to sound a bell." A "knell" primarily signifies the solemn, deep, and mournful tolling of a bell, customarily used to announce a death or to mark a funeral or funeral procession. It typically involves a series of slow and deliberate chimes, which create a somber and melancholic atmosphere.
Beyond its literal description, "knell" holds metaphorical connotations as well. It evokes an aura of finality, foreboding, or demise, often linked to the idea of the end or beginning of something significant. Therefore, it is sometimes used figuratively to convey a sense of sorrow, sorrowful change, or impending doom.
The term "knells" can also be employed as a verb, which means to ring or sound a bell, particularly in a mournful or funereal manner. In this sense, it is used to denote the actual act of tolling a bell or producing mournful chimes.
Overall, "knells" pertains to both the plural form of "knell" and its verb form. While the noun refers specifically to the sorrowful tolling of a bell associated with funerals or moments of grief, the verb encompasses the act of producing these painful chimes. Whether used literally or metaphorically, "knells" conveys a sense of solemnity, sorrow, finality, and sometimes tragedy.
The word "knells" derives from the Old English term "cnyllan" which means "to strike, sound, or toll a bell". It can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic root "knallōną", which also refers to the sound made by a bell when struck. The word has remained relatively unchanged over time with a shift in pronunciation from "knall" to "knell" in Middle English.