Know: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿง 
Add to dictionary

know

 

[ noสŠ ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

to have information

Be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information.

Synonyms

comprehend, realize, understand.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
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.

  • I know the answer to this question
  • Do you know where she lives?
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.

  • I understand what you are saying
  • Do you understand the instructions?
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.

  • Itโ€™s hard for him to comprehend the complex science behind the phenomenon
  • Do you comprehend the magnitude of the problem?
realize

Used when you suddenly become aware of something or when something becomes clear to you. It conveys a moment of discovery or recognition.

  • I didn't realize you were here
  • She realized she had left her phone at home

Examples of usage

  • I know where she lives.
  • Do you know the answer to this question?
Context #2 | Verb

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?

arrow down
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.

  • I know the answer to this question.
  • Do you know where the nearest bus stop is?
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.

  • I'm acquainted with your brother from college.
  • She is acquainted with the basics of quantum physics.
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.

  • I am familiar with the rules of chess.
  • Are you familiar with this author's books?
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.

  • She is well versed in classical literature.
  • He is versed in multiple programming languages.

Examples of usage

  • I know him from college.
  • She knows how to play the piano.
Context #3 | Noun

knowledge or awareness

Information or awareness gained through experience or education.

Synonyms

cognition, understanding, wisdom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
know

Use in everyday conversation to indicate awareness, familiarity or knowledge about something.

  • I know how to cook pasta.
  • She knows a lot about history.
  • Do you know where the nearest bank is?
understanding

Refers to the ability to grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something, often implying deeper knowledge or insight.

  • Her understanding of quantum physics is impressive.
  • We need a better understanding of the problem before we can solve it.
wisdom

Depicts deep knowledge and judgment gained through experience, often carrying a positive and respectful connotation.

  • His wisdom is evident in the way he handles difficult situations.
  • She shared her wisdom with the younger generation.
cognition

Often used in scientific or academic contexts to describe the mental processes related to gaining knowledge and understanding.

  • His research focuses on human cognition and decision-making.
  • Cognition plays a critical role in learning and memory.

Examples of usage

  • He has a vast knowledge of history.
  • She has no knowledge of the subject.

Translations

Translations of the word "know" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น saber

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเคพเคจเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช wissen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tahu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฝะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wiedzieฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็Ÿฅใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท savoir

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ saber

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bilmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•Œ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุนุฑู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vฤ›dฤ›t

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vedieลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็Ÿฅ้“

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vedeti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vita

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑั–ะปัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒชแƒแƒ“แƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bilmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ saber

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #108, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.