Know Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
know
[noส ]
Definitions
to have information
Be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information.
Synonyms
comprehend, realize, understand.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| know |
Used when you have information about something or someone. This is the most common word for having knowledge or awareness about facts, situations, or people.
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| understand |
Used when you grasp the meaning or nature of something. This word is slightly less formal than 'comprehend' and is often used in everyday situations to indicate mental clarity or connection.
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| comprehend |
Used in formal contexts to express deeper or more complete understanding of a concept or situation. This word implies grasping the meaning or significance of something in a thorough way.
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| realize |
Used when you suddenly become aware of something or when something becomes clear to you. It conveys a moment of discovery or recognition.
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Examples of usage
- I know where she lives.
- Do you know the answer to this question?
to be familiar or acquainted with
Have personal knowledge of.
Synonyms
be acquainted with, be familiar with, be versed in.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| know |
Use this word when you have information or understanding about something or someone. It is a general term suitable for various situations.
|
| be acquainted with |
This phrase is best used when you have met someone or learned about something briefly but do not have deep knowledge or a close relationship.
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| be familiar with |
Use this phrase when you have a good understanding of a subject or know someone well enough to recognize them or their work.
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| be versed in |
This phrase indicates a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area, usually through study or experience. It has a formal tone.
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Examples of usage
- I know him from college.
- She knows how to play the piano.
knowledge or awareness
Information or awareness gained through experience or education.
Synonyms
cognition, understanding, wisdom.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| know |
Use in everyday conversation to indicate awareness, familiarity or knowledge about something.
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| understanding |
Refers to the ability to grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something, often implying deeper knowledge or insight.
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| wisdom |
Depicts deep knowledge and judgment gained through experience, often carrying a positive and respectful connotation.
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| cognition |
Often used in scientific or academic contexts to describe the mental processes related to gaining knowledge and understanding.
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Examples of usage
- He has a vast knowledge of history.
- She has no knowledge of the subject.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Cognitive psychology explores how knowledge is acquired, processed, and used in decision-making.
- Knowing can enhance confidence and self-efficacy, leading to better performance in various tasks.
- The 'illusion of knowledge' can occur when someone believes they understand a topic better than they actually do.
Pop Culture
- In the hit TV show 'Friends', the phrase 'Could I BE any more...' became an iconic way for characters to express their knowledge or opinions.
- The famous movie quote 'You canโt handle the truth!' emphasizes the idea of knowing hard realities.
- Many songs and poems celebrate the journey of gaining knowledge, showing its cultural significance.
Literature
- Famous literature often explores the themes of knowledge and ignorance, such as in Platoโs 'Allegory of the Cave'.
- Shakespeare often introduced characters who misinterpret their knowledge, leading to tragedy.
- In children's literature, stories like 'The Little Engine That Could' emphasize the importance of believing in oneself and knowing one's capabilities.
Science
- In neuroscience, knowing something is linked to the connections between neurons in the brain, showing how learning physically changes our brains.
- The process of knowing involves sensory input and memory retrieval, showcasing how our understanding develops over time.
- Studies show that the act of teaching others can enhance our own knowledge and retention of information.
Origin of 'know'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'cnawan', which means to recognize or perceive.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word '*knลwล', which indicates a connection to knowledge and awareness.
- This word is related to words in other languages like 'connaรฎtre' in French, meaning to know or be familiar with.
The word 'know' originated from the Old English word 'cnawan', meaning 'to know, perceive, recognize'. It has roots in Proto-Germanic and Indo-European languages. The concept of knowledge and awareness has been central to human communication and understanding since ancient times. The word has evolved over centuries, reflecting the importance of acquiring information and understanding in human societies.
See also: connoisseur, foreknowledge, knowingly, knowledge, known, unknowing, unknowingly, unknowledgeable.