knowing

1 of 2

adjective

know·​ing ˈnō-iŋ 

1

: having or reflecting knowledge, information, or intelligence

2

a

: shrewdly and keenly alert : astute

a knowing observer

b

: indicating possession of exclusive inside knowledge or information

a knowing smile

3

: cognitive

4

: deliberate

knowing interference in the affairs of another

knowingly adverb

knowingness noun

knowing

2 of 2

noun

: acquaintance, cognizance

Synonyms

Adjective

• hip
• wise

Examples of knowing in a Sentence

Adjective

She looked at us in a knowing way.

exchanged a knowing look with her business partner during the sales presentation

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The parents to Levi, 15, Vida, 14, and Livingston, 11 turn to one another with a knowing look before Matthew jumps into shaking up a classic margarita with lime juice and their tequila. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024

Elizabeth, in color, looks into the camera with a knowing, close-lipped smile. —Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024

Noun

The after effects, the knowing that this could have been prevented, the knowing how many people were affected during this event, has just been catastrophic. —Emily Lippiello, ABC News, 9 May 2024

Today, that way of knowing seems like a waste of precious mental space. —TIME, 8 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing knowing

• self-knowing

Kids Definition

knowing

adjective

know·​ing

ˈnō-iŋ

1

: having or showing special knowledge

a knowing smile

2

: shrewdly and keenly alert

3

: intentional

knowingly adverb

Legal Definition

knowing

adjective

know·​ing

1

: having or reflecting knowledge

a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel

see also intelligent

2

: deliberate sense 2

knowing possession

knowing endangerment

compare mens rea

knowingly adverb