Knell - Word of the Day for IELTS Writing and Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests, using a wide range of words would help you express ideas clearly and stand out from the crowd. One of the perfect picks is the word, ‘Knell.’ 

This word ‘knell’ refers to a bell’s sound, especially when rung for a funeral or death. This word is especially useful when discussing deaths, sadness, or scenarios that are related to funerals. In an academic context, “Knell” adds precision and helps you describe ideas and concepts that are young but promising.

So why wait? Let us begin learning all about this word “Knell” and help you master a good set of vocabulary for your IELTS exam! 

Meaning of “Knell”

The word “knell” can be perfectly used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, knell directly refers to the sound of a bell, mainly one rung slowly to announce a person’s death, a disaster, or an ending.

As a verb, to knell means to announce or signal the destruction, failure, or end of something. In modern usage, the word is often metaphorical as it no longer refers only to church bells but also to any event or action that clearly signals an unavoidable ending of something.

For example:

• “The organization’s financial losses sounded the knell of its collapse.”
• “This announcement was the death knell for the old rule.”

The word usually carries a negative, serious, or ominous tone, suggesting an ending rather than temporary difficulty.

Synonyms of the Word “Knell”

Many words and phrases can convey meanings similar to knell, based on the context:

• Death signal
• Final warning
• Ending
• Final blow
• Doom
• Collapsing
• Demises
• Downfall
• Termination

These synonyms are mainly useful in the IELTS Writing Task 2, where paraphrasing is important.

Antonyms of the Word “Knell”

Opposite meanings of the word “Knell” focus on beginnings, growth, or continuation:

• Beginning
• Revivals
• Rebirth
• Rising
• Launching
• Success
• Renewal
• Hope

Understanding these antonyms will help you contrast ideas clearly in argumentative essays and discussions.

Where Did the Word “Knell” Come From?

This word underwent a lot of alterations and changes. As far as the origin is concerned, it happened back in the 16th century. Initially, an Old English word ‘cynll’ was taken that was combined with ‘cnyllan’, which is a word taken from West German. 

Together, they formed a Dutch word called ‘knal’ or ‘knallen’ meaning crack, pop, or bang. However, the current spelling is influenced by the English word ‘bell.’

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using the Word “Knell”

One of the most common mistakes is using the word “knell” for temporary problems. The word means to describe finality, so it should not be used for situations that can easily be reversed.

Incorrect Usage:

• “A lower test score was the knell of his entire academic career.”

Correct Usage: 

• “Repeated failures as days passed by became the knell of his academic career.”

One more mistake is confusing knell with words like bell, ring, or alarm. While a knell may involve a bell, its direct meaning is far more symbolic and serious.

Sample Sentences Based on the Word “Knell”

1. It sounded like the knell of her hopes.
2. The revolution tolled the death knell of the monarchy.
3. The arrival of huge supermarkets is nothing less than a ringing knell for small shopkeepers.
4. The sudden and unexpected increase in the tax sounded a knell for businesses.
5. By the end of the day, the church’s clock, ringing slowly, seemed like the knell of the day’s death.
6. This word kept repeating in my head again and again like a death knell.
7. He is an amazing player. So, leaving him out of the team this year could be the knell for our winning opportunity.
8. Cancer appeared suddenly and proved to be a death knell of all his dreams to travel around the world.
9. All of the school mourned the death knell of our beloved principal.
10. One wrong mistake led to the death knell of the entire British empire.
11. The refusal from the company rang the death knell of his hopes of getting a job.

In conclusion, learning academic words like “Knell” will not only enhance your vocabulary skills but also boost your whole performance in both the IELTS Writing and Speaking tests. By learning the proper ways to use these kinds of words fluently and confidently in various contexts, you can firmly express your ideas more naturally and show a stronger command of the English language and gain a higher band score! 

Useful Links:

• Elated - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking and Writing
• Identical - Word Of The Day For IELTS Speaking and Writing
• Qualitative - IELTS Word of the Day for Speaking & Writing
• Perceive - Word Of The Day For IELTS