Pronunciation: [nˈa͡ɪts] (IPA) 
The word knights is spelled with a silent "k" followed by the letters "n-i-g-h-t-s". The "k" was originally pronounced in Middle English, but over time it became silent. It is important to note that the "gh" in the middle of the word is also silent, making the "n" and "i" sounds blend together. The IPA phonetic transcription of knights is /naɪts/, with the "n" and "i" sounds being combined into a single "nai" sound.
Knights are historical figures associated with the medieval period, known for their chivalry, combat skills, and feudal obligations. Originally, knights were professional, heavily-armored warriors who served as the backbone of medieval European warfare. They possessed significant training in swordsmanship, horsemanship, and mounted combat.
Typically, knights held high social status, belonging to the noble class. They were often granted land or estates in exchange for their loyal service to a lord or monarch. Knights adhered to a code of conduct known as chivalry, emphasizing virtues like honor, bravery, and courtesy. Their primary role was to protect and defend their lord's lands, providing military assistance when required.
The process of becoming a knight involved undergoing rigorous training from a young age, including education in languages, literature, and manners alongside combat skills. Aspiring knights would then complete a ceremony called a dubbing, in which they were formally knighted by a lord or another knight.
Throughout history, knighthood has evolved, and its significance varies across cultures. In contemporary society, knighthood often holds ceremonial or honorary titles, bestowed upon individuals for their exceptional achievements or contributions to society. These modern knights do not necessarily participate in wars or feudal obligations but are noteworthy for their service in fields such as arts, philanthropy, or leadership.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "knights" can be traced back to the Old English word "cniht", meaning "servant, attendant, youth". This term eventually evolved into the Middle English word "knight", specifically referring to a warrior in the service of his lord. The Old English word "cniht" itself has Germanic origins, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*knehtaz", meaning "boy, youth, servant". The word has historical connections to various Germanic languages, such as Middle Dutch "knecht" and Old High German "kneht". The concept of knights and knighthood further developed during the medieval period in Europe, primarily associated with the chivalric code and their role as armored horsemen.
