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know

know [ ] (past knew [ noo ], past participle known [ nōn ], present participle know·ing, 3rd person present singular knows)


verb 
Definition:
 
1. transitive and intransitive verb hold information in mind: to have information firmly in the mind or committed to memory
They know the names of all the U.S. presidents.

2. transitive and intransitive verb be certain about something: to believe firmly in the truth or certainty of something
I know she wouldn't be late without a good reason.

3. transitive and intransitive verb realize something: to be or become aware of something
I didn't know you cared.

4. transitive verb comprehend something: to have a thorough understanding of something through experience or study
know computers

5. transitive verb have encountered somebody or something before: to be acquainted, associated, or familiar with somebody or something
I have known John for years.

6. transitive verb recognize differences: to be able to perceive the differences or distinctions between things or people
old enough to know right from wrong

7. transitive verb identify somebody or something by characteristic: to recognize somebody or something by a distinguishing characteristic or attribute
I'd know him anywhere by his peculiar laugh.

8. transitive verb have sex with somebody: to engage in sexual intercourse with somebody ( archaic )

[ Old English cnāwan< Indo-European]

know·a·ble adjective
know·er noun

in the know possessing information that is secret or known only to a small group of people

know something back to front U.K. 
Same as  know something backward and forward


know something backward and forward to be completely familiar with all the details of or facts about something

know something backwards U.K. 
Same as  know something backward and forward


let it be or make it known to make sure that people know about something, especially by way of a formal announcement or via a third party
She let it be known that she was not happy with their offer.


make yourself known to introduce or announce yourself

not know where to put yourself to feel acutely embarrassed (informal)

you know used to fill a pause, add emphasis to a statement, or elicit a response from a listener (informal)

you never know used to indicate that the outcome of events is uncertain and it is possible that something that seems unlikely could happen


Spelling Note

know or no? Do not confuse the spelling of know and no, which sound similar. Know is chiefly used as a verb, meaning "to have in the mind" (as in know what to do next), or as a noun in the phrase in the know. The word no indicates a negative response or a lack of something: No, I won't!There's no coffee left in the pot.

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