known quantity
Americannoun
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Mathematics. a quantity whose value is given: in algebra, frequently represented by a letter from the first part of the alphabet, as a, b, or c.
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any factor, circumstance, etc., that is already accepted or familiar.
Her honesty is a known quantity.
Etymology
Origin of known quantity
First recorded in 1975–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A known quantity in the insurance world, Shamieh isn’t quite a household name among Berkshire’s many fans and shareholders.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026
Todd Blanche is a known quantity in Trump World.
From Salon ● Apr. 22, 2026
As such, Warsh is a known quantity in upper-echelon social, political, and economic circles.
From Barron's ● Feb. 2, 2026
In each case, Riley has opted to keep the known quantity.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 27, 2025
I shall endeavour to define it in such terms as will relieve it of ambiguity, and deal with it as a known quantity in the problems of mental commerce.
From The Speech of Monkeys by Richard Lynch Garner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
