know
Looking for the meaning of know? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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Knowledge; the state of knowing.
To perceive the truth or factuality of; to be certain of or that.
“He knew something terrible was going to happen.”
To be aware of; to be cognizant of.
“Did you know Michelle and Jack were getting divorced? ― Yes, I knew.”
To be acquainted or familiar with; to have encountered.
“I know your mother, but I’ve never met your father.”
To experience.
“Their relationship knew ups and downs.”
To be able to distinguish, to discern, particularly by contrast or comparison; to recognize the nature of.
“I wouldn't know one from the other.”
To recognize as the same (as someone or something previously encountered) after an absence or change.
To understand or have a grasp of through experience or study.
“His mother tongue is Italian, but he also knows French and English.”
To have sexual relations with. This meaning normally specified in modern English as e.g. to ’know someone in the biblical sense’ or to ‘know Biblically.’
To have knowledge; to have information, be informed.
“He knows about 19th century politics.”
To be or become aware or cognizant.
“Did you know Michelle and Jack were getting divorced? ― Yes, I knew.”
To be acquainted (with another person).
To be able to play or perform (a song or other piece of music).
“Do you know "Blueberry Hill"?”
Understanding "know"
The word **"know"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/nəʊ/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"know"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "know" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "know" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "know" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /nəʊ/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "know" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "know" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "know" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "know". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/nəʊ/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "know" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use know in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "know" can be used in academic and casual conversations.