know
1to perceive or understand as fact or truth; to apprehend clearly and with certainty: I know the situation fully.
to have established or fixed in the mind or memory: to know a poem by heart; Do you know the way to the park from here?
to be cognizant or aware of: I know it.
be acquainted with (a thing, place, person, etc.), as by sight, experience, or report: to know the mayor.
to understand from experience or attainment (usually followed by how before an infinitive): to know how to make gingerbread.
to be able to distinguish, as one from another: to know right from wrong.
Archaic. to have sexual intercourse with.
to have knowledge or clear and certain perception, as of fact or truth.
to be cognizant or aware, as of some fact, circumstance, or occurrence; have information, as about something.
the fact or state of knowing; knowledge.
Idioms about know
in the know, possessing inside, secret, or special information.
know the ropes, Informal. to understand or be familiar with the particulars of a subject or business: He knew the ropes better than anyone else in politics.
Origin of know
1Other words from know
- knower, noun
Words Nearby know
Other definitions for know (2 of 2)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use know in a sentence
That’s when the self-described “epistemologist” — one who studies the construction of knowledge — betrayed himself as a man who does not think to do a rudimentary Google search on something about which he knows nothing.
Padma Lakshmi says disparaging Indian food isn’t funny. It’s ugly. | Padma Lakshmi | August 25, 2021 | Washington PostClick here for all the inspiration and know-how you need to make the most of adventures on the open road.
As much as I say I like to be in the know, I also like to be in the know about what I don’t know.
I have to highlight that because it’s not easy to play in a position that you know nothing about.
No goalies, no problem: Covid-ravaged South American club earns improbable win | Matt Bonesteel | May 20, 2021 | Washington PostWith a moderate level of effort and know-how, you can have a canine that is more fun to be around for everyone, including you.
I don't know why or who's doing it, but it's the legacy…and it's a legacy that is so important to the culture.
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers | Stereo Williams | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTThey know they will face either a swift backlash or deafening silence.
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers | Stereo Williams | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTWhat they say is, ‘We don’t approve of violence, but you know what?
Bill Maher: Hundreds of Millions of Muslims Support Attack on ‘Charlie Hebdo’ | Lloyd Grove | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTNo one seems to know who that is—or why they would want to do such a thing.
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers | Stereo Williams | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTScalise spoke briefly, adding little of substance, saying that the people back home know him best.
She is quite true, but not wise, and your left hand must not know what your right hand is doing.
Checkmate | Joseph Sheridan Le FanuHe came to the top of the stairs with a lamp in his hand, and wanted to know what the rumpus was about.
The Bondboy | George W. (George Washington) OgdenIt seems very strange that I shall actually know Liszt at last, after hearing of him so many years.
Music-Study in Germany | Amy FayKind of a reception-room in there—guess I know a reception-room from a hole in the wall.
The policemen looked dull and heavy, as if never again would any one be criminal, and as if they had come to know it.
Bella Donna | Robert Hichens
British Dictionary definitions for know
/ (nəʊ) /
(also intr; may take a clause as object) to be or feel certain of the truth or accuracy of (a fact, etc)
to be acquainted or familiar with: she's known him five years
to have a familiarity or grasp of, as through study or experience: he knows French
(also intr; may take a clause as object) to understand, be aware of, or perceive (facts, etc): he knows the answer now
(foll by how) to be sure or aware of (how to be or do something)
to experience, esp deeply: to know poverty
to be intelligent, informed, or sensible enough (to do something): she knew not to go home yet
(may take a clause as object) to be able to distinguish or discriminate
archaic to have sexual intercourse with
I know what I have an idea
know what's what to know how one thing or things in general work
you know informal a parenthetical filler phrase used to make a pause in speaking or add slight emphasis to a statement
you never know things are uncertain
in the know informal aware or informed
Origin of know
1Derived forms of know
- knowable, adjective
- knower, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with know
In addition to the idioms beginning with know
- know all the answers
- know a thing or two
- know beans
- know better
- know by heart
- know by sight
- know enough to come in out of the rain
- know from Adam
- know if one is coming or going
- know it all
- know like a book
- know one's own mind
- know one's place
- know one's stuff
- know one's way around
- know only too well
- know the ropes
- know the score
- know where one stands
- know which side of one's bread is buttered
also see:
- before you know it
- (know) by heart
- come in out of the rain, know enough to
- coming or going, know if one's
- for all (I know)
- god knows
- (know) inside out
- in the know
- it takes one to know one
- left hand doesn't know what right hand is doing
- not know beans
- not know from Adam
- not know where to turn
- not know which way to jump
- thing or two, know
- what do you know
- what have you (who knows what)
- which is which, know
- you know
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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