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
Now a known quantity, Saints reduced their kicking to Caluori to deal with the breakout star's freakish aerial ability, while the teenager struggled to get the ball in hand to show his running power.
From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2025
Yet I found myself, of necessity, using him as the one known quantity in the equation over which I worked.
From David Malcolm by Nelson Lloyd
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
