English Reference

Word

knack

US/ˈnæk/

UK/nˈæk/

Definitions

01a natural skill

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a natural ability to do something well, especially something that seems difficult.

n. an acquired or intuitive skill at performing a specific task with proficiency and ease.

“My brother has a real knack for making people feel comfortable in new places.”

“She has a remarkable knack for identifying market trends long before they become obvious to her competitors.”

Pitfall

He has a knack to fix cars.

He has a knack for fixing cars.

The noun 'knack' is almost always followed by the preposition 'for' and a gerund (-ing form).

Synonyms

talentgiftflairfaculty

Antonyms

inabilityclumsiness

02a clever trick

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a clever or specific way of doing something that makes it easier.

n. a clever technique or specific method required to operate or complete something successfully.

“There is a certain knack to opening this old jar without breaking the lid.”

“Once you learn the knack of balancing the chemicals, the entire cleaning process becomes significantly more efficient.”

Synonyms

tricktechniquesecret

Etymology

Late Middle English, use as "special skill" from 1580. Possibly from 14th century Middle English krak, knack (“a sharp sound or blow”), knakke, knakken, from Middle Low German and of imitative origin, similar to Dutch knak (“snap, crack”). Latter cognate to German knacken (“to crack”). See also crack.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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