What does "know" mean?

1. (to have information) to have information in your mind or to be certain about a fact. 2. (to be familiar with a person) to have met someone before and be friendly with them. 3. (to have a skill) to have the skill or ability to do something, like speak a language or play a game. 4. (to recognize) to see or hear someone and remember who they are. 5. (to experience) to have felt or lived through a particular situation or feeling. 6. (having secret information) used in the phrase 'in the know' to mean you have special information that others do not have.

How do you use "know"?

This is a stative verb and is rarely used in the progressive (-ing) form. Takes a direct object (a person). Often followed by 'how to' plus a verb. Used as part of the prepositional phrase 'in the know'.

Is it correct to say "I am knowing the answer."?

No — say "I know the answer.". 'Know' is a stative verb. We usually use it in the simple tense, not the continuous '-ing' form.

know

v. · n.

US //ˈnoʊ// UK //nˈəʊ// know

Irregular verb past knew past participle known

1 to have information (v.)
A1 Beginner

to have information in your mind or to be certain about a fact.

to perceive the truth or factuality of something; to possess specific information with certainty.

Example

I know that the capital of France is Paris.

Example

The researchers know that the results of the study will be controversial, yet they feel obligated to publish their findings in full.

Usage

This is a stative verb and is rarely used in the progressive (-ing) form.

Teacher's tip

Remind students that 'know' describes a state of mind, so 'I know' is correct even if the knowing is happening right now.
- understand
- realize
- be aware
- ignore
- forget
Pitfall

I am knowing the answer.

I know the answer.

'Know' is a stative verb. We usually use it in the simple tense, not the continuous '-ing' form.
2 to be familiar with a person (v.)
A1 Beginner

to have met someone before and be friendly with them.

to be acquainted or familiar with a person through previous encounter or social interaction.

Example

I have known my best friend since we were five years old.

Example

Although they had worked in the same building for years, they didn't truly get to know each other until the company retreat.

Usage

Takes a direct object (a person).

Teacher's tip

In some languages, 'know' a person and 'know' a fact are different verbs. Ensure students use 'know' for both in English.
- be acquainted
- recognize

Show 4 more sensesShow fewer

3 to have a skill (v.)
A2 Elementary

to have the skill or ability to do something, like speak a language or play a game.

to possess a practical understanding or mastery of a skill, language, or subject through study or experience.

Example

Do you know how to fix a flat tire on a bicycle?

Example

She knows enough Mandarin to navigate the city and order meals, though she struggles with complex technical discussions.

Usage

Often followed by 'how to' plus a verb.

Teacher's tip

Point out the 'know how to' construction for physical or technical skills.
- understand
- master
4 to recognize (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to see or hear someone and remember who they are.

to identify or recognize someone or something previously encountered.

Example

I didn't know you with your new haircut.

Example

Even after twenty years apart, he knew her voice the moment she spoke his name across the crowded terminal.
- recognize
- identify
5 to experience (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

to have felt or lived through a particular situation or feeling.

to have personal experience of a specific condition, emotion, or historical period.

Example

That generation knew great hardship during the war.

Example

The region has known little peace over the last century, as border disputes have repeatedly flared into open conflict.
- experience
- undergo
6 having secret information (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal

used in the phrase 'in the know' to mean you have special information that others do not have.

the state of possessing inside information or specialized knowledge; restricted almost exclusively to the idiomatic phrase 'in the know'.

Example

People in the know say that the company is going to close soon.

Example

Those in the know suggest that the prime minister is planning a surprise cabinet reshuffle before the end of the fiscal year.

Usage

Used as part of the prepositional phrase 'in the know'.

Teacher's tip

This is a common journalistic idiom. It implies the person has access to secrets or 'insider' details.
- informed
- aware

Etymology 1

From Middle English knowen, from Old English cnāwan (“to know, perceive, recognise”), from Proto-West Germanic knāan, from Proto-Germanic knēaną (“to know”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (“to know”). Cognates from Indo-European: Latin gnoscō, Latin cognoscō (Spanish conocer, French connaître, Romanian cunoaște, Italian conoscere, Portuguese conhecer), Ancient Greek γνωρίζω (gnōrízō, “I know”) and γνῶσις (gnôsis, “knowledge”), Albanian njoh (“I know, recognise”), Russian знать (znatʹ, “to know”), Lithuanian žinoti (“to know”), and Persian شناختن (šenâxtan, “to know”). from Proto-Germanic: Scots knaw (“to know, recognise”), Icelandic knega (“to know, know how to, be able”), Old High German knājan (“to know, recognise”), Old Norse kná (“to know how”). Remotely related also Dutch and German kennen, West Frisian kenne (see English ken).

Etymology 2

Shortening of you know (sense 4)—Singapore English favours pro-drop constructions (Wee, 2003).

Idioms32 entries