knead
/niːd/ (bre, ipa) · /niːd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈnēd/ (ame, mw)
knead — verb
- kneadpresent simple I / you / we / they
- kneadshe / she / it
- kneadedpast simple
- kneading-ing form
1. to press, fold, and push a soft mixture such as bread dough or wet clay repeated
to press, fold, and push a soft mixture such as bread dough or wet clay repeatedly using your hands so it becomes smooth and ready to use or shape
Amara kneaded the bread dough on a floured board for about ten minutes.
collocation: knead + bread dough
Before baking, the baker kneads the mixture until it feels smooth and springy.
adverbial clause: knead until [condition]
The children kneaded the soft clay into small bowls and figures.
You should knead the pizza dough gently so it stays light and airy.
After kneading, Wei covered the dough with a cloth and left it to rise.
- work
broader — 'work the dough' suggests shaping and handling in general, whereas kneading is a specific repeated pressing-and-folding motion
- press
less specific — pressing is a single downward motion; kneading involves pressing, folding, and turning repeatedly
- fold
describes only one part of the kneading action (folding the dough over itself)
文法句型
knead + object (dough, clay, mixture)
用法筆記
Object is typically a soft, pliable substance such as dough, clay, or a similar mixture. Frequently used in cooking and pottery contexts.
常見錯誤
2. to press and move your hands over a part of someone's body with firm, rhythmic p
to press and move your hands over a part of someone's body with firm, rhythmic pressure, especially to relax tired muscles or ease pain
Hana gently kneaded her grandmother's shoulders after the long train journey.
collocation: knead + shoulders
The sports therapist kneaded the tight muscles along Ibrahim's spine until they relaxed.
Deepa sat on the floor and kneaded her own sore feet with both thumbs.
After the match, the trainer kneaded Minh's calf muscles to stop them from cramping.
The massage therapist kneaded the stiff area between Chitra's shoulder blades with slow, deep strokes.
- massage
broader — massage includes stroking, tapping, and pressing; kneading specifically refers to a firm, rhythmic pressing and squeezing motion
- rub
more general — rubbing is moving the hand across a surface; kneading involves deeper, more deliberate pressure
- press
a simpler, single action — kneading combines pressing with squeezing and releasing
文法句型
knead + body part (shoulders, back, neck)
用法筆記
Common with body parts that carry tension: shoulders, neck, back, calves, feet. Often used in therapeutic or sports-recovery contexts.