knowing

American  

[noh-ing] / ˈnoʊ ɪŋ /

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; having knowledge or information; intelligent.

3. shrewd, sharp, or astute.

4. conscious; intentional; deliberate.

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knowing British  

/ ˈnəʊɪŋ /

adjective

1. suggesting secret information or knowledge

2. wise, shrewd, or clever

3. deliberate; intentional

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noun

1. one cannot tell

Other Word Forms

• knowingly adverb
• knowingness noun

Etymology

Origin of knowing

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

Explanation

Something that's knowing is sneakily wise or perceptive. A knowing smile conveys a lot of information — it implies that you know a secret or are in on some background information. Picture Mona Lisa. A knowing glance tells its recipient that you've got them figured out or that you're aware of something they haven't shared with many people. You can use this adjective to simply mean "having knowledge" or "intentional" too, as when someone makes a knowing purchase of stolen goods. The noun version of knowing is also simple, meaning "the state of having knowledge or being aware."

Example Sentences

“I see that similarity in basketball. It’s always pulled me knowing you have to be good at everything instead of one particular skill.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Meanwhile Philippa, knowing that “visionaries are ungovernable,” fears that Barton’s presence in her nunnery portends catastrophe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Knowing when to jump into the conversation at the right time, and knowing when to fall back.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

I want to beat them knowing they've given it their all.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

How could he evict this poor hare out into the elements, especially knowing that she built the burrow herself?

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

Related Words

• insightful
• intelligent
• perceptive
• sophisticated