Known: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ
Add to dictionary

known

 

[nษ™สŠn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

well-known

Familiar or widely recognized by many people.

Synonyms

established, familiar, recognized.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
known

Used when referring to something or someone that is understood or acknowledged by many people.

  • She is known for her singing talent
  • It is a known fact that the Earth orbits the Sun
recognized

Typically used when something or someone is officially identified or honored for their validity or achievement.

  • She was recognized for her contributions to science
  • The logo is easily recognized by people all over the world
familiar

Often used to describe something or someone that you recognize or know well due to frequent or long-term exposure.

  • The smell of freshly baked bread is familiar to me
  • She greeted him with a familiar smile
established

Used to describe something that has been in existence for a long time and is accepted by many as true or genuine.

  • The company is an established leader in the technology sector
  • He has established himself as a reliable figure in the community

Examples of usage

  • She is a known expert in the field.
  • The movie star is known around the world.
Context #2 | Noun

acquaintance

A person with whom one is acquainted.

Synonyms

acquaintance, associate, companion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
known

Use this when you want to refer to someone you are familiar with, without implying any specific type of relationship or depth of connection.

  • He's a known figure in our town
  • / She's a known artist in the industry
acquaintance

When you want to mention someone you have met but do not know well or have a deeper relationship with.

  • We are just acquaintances; we met at a conference
  • / I have many acquaintances, but only a few close friends
associate

Typically used in a professional setting to describe someone with whom you have a business relationship or work connection. It can sometimes carry a more formal tone.

  • He is one of my business associates
  • / She works as an associate at the law firm
companion

Best used to describe someone with whom you spend a lot of time and share experiences, often suggesting affection or a close bond, though it can be non-romantic.

  • My dog has been a loyal companion for years
  • / She was my companion during the trip

Examples of usage

  • He is a known of my cousin.
  • She is a known from work.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'known' comes from Old English 'cnawan', which means 'to know'.
  • In Middle English, it evolved to 'knowe' before settling into its current form.
  • It's related to the German 'kennen', meaning 'to be acquainted with'.

Language & Grammar

  • 'Known' is the past participle of 'know', and is often used in perfect tenses.
  • In phrases like 'known for', it describes a person's reputation or characteristic.
  • It can also function as an adjective, describing familiarity or recognition.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, knowledge is power, and being known as knowledgeable can elevate oneโ€™s status.
  • Famous quotes about knowledge often highlight its importance; for example, 'Knowledge is the key to success.'
  • In literature, characters often strive to be 'known' for their deeds or wisdom, influencing their journeys.

Psychology

  • The phenomenon of the 'illusion of knowledge' occurs when people believe they know more than they actually do.
  • Cognitive biases often lead individuals to overestimate their understanding of known facts.
  • Social interaction plays a key role in how people share and present what is known among peers.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and movies often depict themes around being 'known' and the desires for fame or recognition.
  • Social media has amplified the desire for being known, creating a culture of influencers.
  • 'Known' faces often symbolize talent and success in entertainment, shaping public attention.

Translations

Translations of the word "known" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น conhecido

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเฅเคžเคพเคค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช bekannt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dikenal

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดะพะผะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ znany

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็Ÿฅใ‚‰ใ‚Œใฆใ„ใ‚‹ (shira rete iru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท connu

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ conocido

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bilinen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•Œ๋ ค์ง„ (allyeojin)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุนุฑูˆู (ma'rลซf)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ znรกmรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ znรกmy

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅทฒ็Ÿฅ (yวzhฤซ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ znan

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพekktur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะตะปะณั–ะปั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒชแƒœแƒแƒ‘แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜ (tsnobili)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mษ™lum

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ conocido

Word Frequency Rank

With position #207, 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.