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.
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
He is, in other words, a known quantity.
From Slate • Jan. 9, 2025
But several former military and Pentagon officials said that Hegseth was not a known quantity in the Washington defence community.
From BBC • Nov. 13, 2024
Therefore if, as unknown quantities, we call matter a and motion b, all we are entitled to affirm is that a + b = z, where z is a known quantity, or mind.
From Mind and Motion and Monism by Romanes, George John
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.
