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| know [ nō ] (past knew [ noo ], past participle known [ nōn ], present participle know·ing, 3rd person present singular knows) |
verb |
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| Definition: |
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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.
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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.
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3. transitive and intransitive verb realize something: to be or become aware of something
I didn't know you cared.
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4. transitive verb comprehend something: to have a thorough understanding of something through experience or study
know computers
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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.
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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
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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.
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8. transitive verb have sex with somebody: to engage in sexual intercourse with somebody
(
archaic
)
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| [ Old English cnāwan< Indo-European] |
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| know·a·ble adjective |
| know·er noun |
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in the know possessing information that is secret or known only to a small group of people
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know something back to front U.K.
Same as know something backward and forward
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know something backward and forward to be completely familiar with all the details of or facts about something
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know something backwards U.K.
Same as know something backward and forward
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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.
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make yourself known to introduce or announce yourself
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not know where to put yourself to feel acutely embarrassed (informal)
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you know used to fill a pause, add emphasis to a statement, or elicit a response from a listener (informal)
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you never know used to indicate that the outcome of events is uncertain and it is possible that something that seems unlikely could happen
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