First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1know
verb \ˈnō\
: to have (information of some kind) in your mind
: to understand (something) : to have a clear and complete idea of (something)
: to have learned (something, as a skill or a language)
knew \ˈnü also ˈnyü\ known \ˈnōn\ know·ing
Full Definition of KNOW
transitive verb
1
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>
See know defined for English-language learners
See know defined for kids
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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
Related to KNOW
- Synonyms
- comprehend, grasp, understand
- Antonyms
- miss
2know
noun
Definition of KNOW
— in the know
: in possession of exclusive knowledge or information; broadly : well-informed
See know defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of KNOW
1592
KNOW Defined for Kids
know
verb \ˈnō\
knew \ˈnü, ˈnyü\known \ˈnōn\know·ing
Definition of KNOW for Kids
1
: to recognize the identity of <I know that guy!>
2
: to be aware of the truth of <We know that the earth is round.>
3
: to have a practical understanding of <Her little sister already knows how to read.>
4
: to have information or knowledge <He knows all about cars.>
5
: to be or become aware <The president knew about the problem.>
6
: to be acquainted or familiar with <A taxi driver knows the city well.>
7
: to have understanding of <It's important to know yourself.> <I don't know why this happens.>
8
: to recognize the nature of <We knew them to be honest.>
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