knowingly

adverb

know·​ing·​ly
Synonyms of knowinglynext
: in a knowing manner
smiled knowingly
especially : with awareness, deliberateness, or intention
had never knowingly hurt him Max Peacock

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from knowing + -ly

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of knowingly was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Knowingly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knowingly. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

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