# knowing

/ˈnoʊɪŋ/ (US) · /nˈəʊɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/knowing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. showing secret knowledge

adjective · CEFR B2

showing that you know something secret or private, often with a look or a smile.

For teachers: suggestive of private knowledge or a shared secret; often used to describe facial expressions or gestures.

- She gave me a knowing look when I mentioned I was working late.
- The two colleagues exchanged a knowing glance across the boardroom, silently acknowledging the irony of the CEO's latest proposal.

### 2. deliberate

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

done on purpose and with full understanding of what will happen.

For teachers: done with full awareness or deliberation; intentional.

- The company was accused of a knowing violation of the safety rules.
- The court determined that the defendant had acted with knowing disregard for the potential consequences of his financial decisions.

### 4. the state of having knowledge

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

the act or state of having information or understanding.

For teachers: the state of possessing knowledge or the act of cognition.

- There is a great difference between knowing a fact and truly understanding it.
- The philosopher explored the distinction between the mere gathering of data and the deeper state of knowing.

## Examples

- She gave me a knowing smile across the dinner table.
- The two colleagues exchanged a knowing look when the boss mentioned the 'surprise' office party.
- The author peppers the narrative with knowing references to local history, rewarding long-time residents while keeping the core plot accessible to newcomers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.