verb / noun

know

NOH/noʊ/

To possess understanding gained through learning or experience.

The experienced mechanic knows the loose belt is causing the engine problem.

A mechanic recognizes the loose belt causing an engine problem from experience and points directly to it while an apprentice watches.

Etymology

knowOld Englishto recognize or understand as true

Old English cnawan covered recognizing something and understanding it as a fact or truth. Today's broad sense retains that connection between recognition and awareness, while also covering knowledge gained through experience.

In context

David Steindl-Rast2:37

We all know from experience how it goes.

Want to be happy? Be grateful

Derren Brown3:23

I know somebody's guarding them.

Mentalism, mind reading and the art of getting inside your head

More examples

Do you know how to reset the password?
I knew the answer because we studied it yesterday.
Ask Maya; she's in the know about the schedule changes.

Forms

know · knows · knew · known · knowing

knowledge noun — Information and understanding gained through learning.

knowledgeable adjective — Having substantial information about a subject.

Similar words

understand: Emphasizes grasping meaning or reasons, not merely having information.
recognize: Means identifying something familiar rather than understanding it fully.