know

¹know

verb \ˈnō\

knew \ˈnü also ˈnyü\ known \ˈnōn\ know·ing

Definition of KNOW

transitive verb

1

a (1) : to perceive directly : have direct cognition of (2) : to have understanding of <importance of knowing oneself> (3) : to recognize the nature of : discern

b (1) : to recognize as being the same as something previously known (2) : to be acquainted or familiar with (3) : to have experience of

2

a : to be aware of the truth or factuality of : be convinced or certain of

b : to have a practical understanding of <knows how to write>

3

archaic : to have sexual intercourse with

intransitive verb

1

: to have knowledge

2

: to be or become cognizant —sometimes used interjectionally with you especially as a filler in informal speech

— know·able \ˈnō-ə-bəl\ adjective

— know·er \ˈnō-ər\ noun

— know from

: to have knowledge of <didn't know from sibling rivalry — Penny Marshall>

Examples of KNOW

1. He knows a lot about the history of the town.
2. Do you know the answer?
3. I don't know her name.
4. Do you know what time it is?
5. I don't know the words to that song.
6. They knew a good deal about the problem.
7. She knows the rules of the game.
8. If you want the answer, ask someone who knows.
9. I don't know much about art, but I know what I like.
10. She knows that many people will not believe her.

Origin of KNOW

Middle English, from Old English cnāwan; akin to Old High German bichnāan to recognize, Latin gnoscere, noscere to come to know, Greek gignōskein

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to KNOW

Synonyms

comprehend, grasp, understand

Antonyms

miss

Related Words

appreciate, apprehend, cognize, fathom, follow, ken [chiefly Scottish], perceive, savvy; have, possess; catch on (to), pick up

Near Antonyms

misapprehend, misconceive, misinterpret, misknow, misperceive, misunderstand

²know

noun

Definition of KNOW

: knowledge

— in the know

: in possession of exclusive knowledge or information; broadly : well-informed

First Known Use of KNOW

1592