# knowingly

/ˈnoʊɪŋɫi/ (US) · /nˈəʊɪŋli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/knowingly
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. deliberately

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

doing something on purpose while knowing exactly what you are doing.

For teachers: with full awareness or intention; often used in legal or formal contexts to describe an action taken with knowledge of its consequences.

- He knowingly gave the police the wrong address to help his friend escape.
- The company was accused of knowingly discharging toxic waste into the river despite being aware of the environmental regulations.

Usage: Often used in legal contexts to prove intent.

### 2. showing you share a secret

adverb · CEFR C1 · Literary

looking at someone or smiling in a way that shows you both know a secret.

For teachers: in a manner that suggests the possession of private or secret knowledge.

- When I mentioned the surprise party, Sarah looked at me knowingly.
- The two colleagues glanced at each other knowingly when the manager claimed the project was ahead of schedule.

Usage: Commonly modifies verbs of looking, such as 'smile', 'glance', or 'nod'.

## Examples

- She smiled knowingly when I mentioned his name.
- The company was accused of knowingly selling defective products to the public for several months.
- By knowingly withholding the evidence, the witness risked a charge of perjury, yet they remained silent throughout the cross-examination.

---

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.