Why Is There a Silent “K” in Words Like Knight and Knee?

Why Is There a Silent “K” in Words Like Knight and Knee?

Let’s explore the fascinating history of this mysterious letter and why we keep writing it even though we don’t pronounce it.

A Sound That Disappeared

In Old English, the “k” was originally pronounced. So “knight” sounded like kuh-nicht, and “knee” like kuh-nee. Over time, the harsh /k/ sound at the beginning of “kn” clusters gradually disappeared from speech, but stayed in spelling.

Silent but Noble

The word “knight” doesn’t just mean a warrior. It also reflects a long history of honor and language evolution. Just like “doubt” and “debt” kept their silent “b” (→ Why Do “Doubt” and “Debt” Have a Silent B?), “knight” kept its silent “k” to show its roots.

Other Common “kn” Words

• knee
• knife
• knock
• know
• knowledge

Even though the “k” is silent, the spelling reminds us of the word’s Old English origins.

Why Does English Keep Silent Letters?

English spelling preserves many silent letters to reflect etymology — where the word came from. If you're curious about more silent letters, check out our article on The Silent “B” in Doubt and Debt.

Also, for learners struggling with affect vs. effect, see our visual post:
👉 What’s the Difference Between “Affect” and “Effect”?

Final Thought

English is full of history hidden in spelling. So next time you write “knight,” just remember — the “k” is a silent knight in armor guarding the past.