Definition

1. Verb (past tense of ):
   • To have been aware of through observation, inquiry, or information: "knew" indicates that someone had knowledge or understanding of something in the past.
   • To have been acquainted with (a person): "knew" can refer to having been familiar with someone through personal experience.
   • To have recognized or distinguished: "knew" can mean having identified something as different from others.

Usage Examples

• (She was aware of the correct response in the past.)
• (I was acquainted with him during our childhood.)
• (He recognized and understood the distinction in the past.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have known better": to be wise or experienced enough to avoid a mistake.

  • He should have known better than to drive after drinking. (He should have been sensible enough not to do that.)

• "knew of": to have heard about or been aware of the existence of something or someone.

  • I knew of a good restaurant nearby, but I had never eaten there. (I was aware of its existence without personal experience.)

Variants and Related Words

• Know (v): the base form of the verb.

  • I know the truth. (I am currently aware of the truth.)

• Known (v): the past participle form.

  • She has known him for years. (She has been acquainted with him for a long time.)

• Knowing (adj): showing or suggesting that one knows something secret.

  • He gave her a knowing look. (A look that implies shared understanding or secret awareness.)

Synonyms

• Understood: past tense of understand — to have grasped the meaning or significance of something.

  • I understood the instructions after reading them twice. (I comprehended them.)

• Recognized: to have identified someone or something from previous encounters.

  • She recognized the song from her childhood. (She identified it as familiar.)

Related Idioms

• Knew what was what: to be well-informed about a situation or topic.

  • After years in the business, he knew what was what. (He understood the important details and realities.)

• Knew the ropes: to be familiar with the procedures or details of a job or activity.

  • The new employee quickly knew the ropes. (She learned how things are done efficiently.)