Knew: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'knew' comes from the Old English 'cnāwan', 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.

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.

With position #482, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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