Knew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
knew
[njuห ]
Definition
past tense
Knew is the simple past tense of the verb 'know,' which means to have information, understanding, or awareness about something. It indicates a state of having been aware of a fact or situation in the past. The word conveys that the information was recognized or understood previously. In many cases, it implies a level of familiarity or recognition related to a particular subject.
Synonyms
realized, recognized, understood.
Examples of usage
- She knew the answer to the question.
- They knew each other from childhood.
- He knew the risks involved in the decision.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- 'Knew' is one of the irregular verbs in English, changing completely from its base form 'know'.
- The vowel change from 'o' to 'e' in its forms shows a common pattern in many other irregular verbs.
- Understanding past tenses like 'knew' helps learners grasp the concept of time in language.
Literature
- The concept of knowing plays pivotal roles in many literary works, exploring themes of consciousness and experience.
- Famous literature often uses variations of 'knew' to depict characters' realizations or truths, adding depth to their journeys.
- In poetry, the sound of 'knew' can evoke a rhythm that enhances emotional resonance in the narrative.
Psychology
- Knowing something often activates specific areas in the brain, linked to memory and recognition.
- Cognitive psychology studies how we form and retrieve knowledge, indicating different ways 'knowing' can manifest.
- The feeling of 'knew' can relate to our confidence in information, known as metacognition, or thinking about our own thinking.
Pop Culture
- 'Knew' appears frequently in song lyrics to express feelings of nostalgia or realization about past relationships.
- Movies often depict characters expressing what they 'knew' about themselves or others, contributing to plot twists.
- Social media trends sometimes circulate around things people 'knew' about celebrities before they were officially revealed.
Origin of 'knew'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'knew' comes from the Old English 'cnฤwan', which means to know or recognize.
- Related forms in other languages show similar roots; for example, 'savoir' in French means to know.
- As language evolved, 'knew' retained a strong connection to knowledge, showing its importance in communication.
The word 'knew' originates from the Old English 'cnฤowan,' which means 'to know.' This root can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic '*knฤwลnฤ ' and is connected to the Proto-Indo-European root '*gno-' which means 'to know, to recognize.' Over the centuries, the term has evolved in form and usage, but its fundamental meaning has remained focused on knowledge and awareness. In literary and historical contexts, 'knew' is often used to convey a sense of certainty or familiarity regarding facts, people, or situations that were understood in the past.