know the meaning of (something)

phrase

: to understand (something) because one has experienced it

I know the meaning of loneliness.

—often used in negative statements

Those people don't know the meaning of hard work.

—often used in an exaggerated way to make a forceful statement

He doesn't know the meaning of fear.

I'll never stop trying. I don't know the meaning of the word "failure."

Examples of know the meaning of (something) in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Exhale Mind Body Spa has five treatment rooms, including a manicure/pedicure salon, and therapists who know the meaning of great pressure . — Brooke Porter Katz, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026

Yet, today, our nation is governed by inept leaders who don’t know the meaning of sacrifice — save for a few. — Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 3 July 2024

One of the key findings of the report, Purkiss said, is that people are confused and don’t know the meaning of the labels on compostable and biodegradable plastic items. — Rachel Ramirez, CNN, 3 Nov. 2022

Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike and the horse's trainer clearly know the meaning of perseverance. — Eileen Finan, PEOPLE.com, 11 May 2022

The group says the need for such laws was made clear by a 2018 national survey that showed 66 percent of people ages 18 to 34 didn’t know the meaning of the word Auschwitz. — BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2021

That happens because the program doesn’t really know the meaning of the sentences, says Chad DeChant, an AI expert at Columbia University. — Sofia Moutinho, Science | AAAS, 26 Feb. 2021

But Hair and Noll now really know the meaning of a long hospital stay. — Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2020