knowing

[noh-ing]

adjective

1. affecting, implying, or deliberately revealing shrewd knowledge of secret or private information.

   a knowing glance.

   Synonyms: perceptive, eloquent, significant, meaningful

2. that knows; know; having knowledge or information; intelligent.

3. shrewd, sharp, or astute.

4. conscious; intentional; deliberate.

knowing

/ ˈnəʊɪŋ /

adjective

1. suggesting secret information or knowledge

2. wise, shrewd, or clever

3. deliberate; intentional

noun

1. one cannot tell

Other Word Forms

• knowingly adverb
• knowingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of knowing¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English knawynge (earlier knowende, knawande ); equivalent to know ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

My dad suggested I speak to Alvarado after I asked him and my uncles about my Pepe’s experience and they admitted to not knowing anything.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As Morgan Stanley’s lead accounting and valuation analyst, Castagno believes that clear reporting of these numbers is crucial for knowing AI’s real demand.

Read more on Barron's

Drake’s lawsuit, filed in New York’s southern district in January, claimed that Universal released and promoted the song knowing its lyrics were false and damaging, while fueling the feud.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But knowing that thousands of fans will be looking to keep the party going after the Rose Bowl show, who knows if the next Chappell Roan will be striding through El Cid on Friday.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Just what society needs: a device to tune people out without their knowing.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• insightful 
• intelligent 
• perceptive 
• sophisticated