know
/noʊ/
Reviewed on
Type
Verb
Meaning
To have acquired and retained information or facts in one's mind.
Do you know the capital city of this state?
To be familiar or acquainted with a person, place, or subject through experience.
I know several colleagues from the previous branch who might assist us.
To perceive or recognize the distinct character, identity, or quality of someone or something.
I'd know her voice anywhere, even after all these years.
How it's used
When this means “have information in your mind”
- know the answer
“know it.”
Do you know the answer?
When this means “be aware of a fact”
- know that the store is closed
We know that the store is closed today.
Collocations
- know for a fact
- know by heart
- know firsthand
- know very well
Synonyms
- understand
- comprehend
- recall
Idioms
know the ropes
to understand the details and procedures of a situation
She has worked here for years and really knows the ropes.
know better
to have enough sense or experience not to do something foolish
He should know better than to leave the keys in the ignition.
in the know
possessing exclusive or insider information
Only a few directors were in the know regarding the pending sale.