knowledge
- 01 A2 Elementary
the information and understanding you have about a specific subject or situation.
the state of being familiar with or understanding a particular subject, place, or situation. Uncountable in this general sense.
Simple“She has a deep knowledge of local history because she grew up in the village.”
In context“His extensive knowledge of international maritime law made him an invaluable asset during the treaty negotiations.”
Usageusually uncountable; often followed by the preposition 'of' or 'about'.
PitfallHe has many knowledges about history. He has a lot of knowledge about history.Knowledge is an uncountable noun; do not use it in the plural form.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
all the facts and information that people have discovered over time.
the sum total of what is known; the body of facts and principles accumulated by humankind.
Simple“The internet has made it easier for everyone to access human knowledge.”
In context“The library was designed as a monument to human knowledge, housing manuscripts that spanned three millennia of scientific discovery.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the difficult test that London taxi drivers must pass to show they know every street in the city.
the rigorous examination of London's geography required for a taxicab licence. Often used with the definite article as 'The Knowledge'.
Simple“He spent three years on his motorbike studying for The Knowledge before he could drive a black cab.”
In context“Aspiring cabbies often spend years traversing the city's labyrinthine streets to master The Knowledge before sitting their final exams.”
Usageusually appears as 'The Knowledge'.
Teacher's tipThis is a very specific cultural term; outside of the context of London taxis, it will not be understood.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
a very old-fashioned way to talk about having sex.
sexual intercourse or intimacy. Archaic in general use; survives primarily in the legal phrase 'carnal knowledge'.
Simple“The old book used the phrase carnal knowledge to describe the couple's relationship.”
In context“The defendant was charged under a statute that specifically cited carnal knowledge of a minor as a felony offense.”
Usagealmost exclusively found in the fixed phrase 'carnal knowledge'.
Synonyms
Usage knowledge gap · knowledge skills · acquire knowledge
From Middle English knowleche, knaweleche, cnawlece (“knowledge”), from knowen (“to know, recognise”) + -leche. Related to Middle English knowlechen (“to find out, acknowledge”). For more on the Middle English suffix -leche, compare freelage. Compare also Old English cnāwelǣċ, cnāwelǣċing (“acknowledging, acknowledgement”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.