Meaning of know In English

• 0 to have information in your mind:

  • "Where did he go?" "I don't know."

  • "What does it cost?" "Ask Kate. She'll know."

  • She knows the name of every kid in the school.

  • I don't know anything about this.

  • [ + question word ] We don't know when he's arriving.

  • I don't know (= understand) what all the fuss is about.

  • [ + (that) ] I just knew (that) it was going to be a disaster.

  • She knew (= was aware) (that) something was wrong.

  • [ + obj + to infinitive ] Even small amounts of these substances are known to cause skin problems.

  • formal The authorities know him to be (= know that he is) a cocaine dealer.

  • Do you know the time?

  • [ + question word ] Do you know where the Post Office is?

  • [ + (that) ] I know (that) she'll be really pleased to hear the news.

  • [ + question word ] I don't know whether I should tell her or not.

  • The party is at Sarah's house as/so far as I know (= I think but I am not certain).

• 1 to be familiar with or have experience and understanding of:

  • I've known Daniel since we were at school together.

  • She grew up in Paris so she knows it well.

  • I've seen the film "Casablanca" so many times that I know a lot of it by heart (= I know it in my memory).

  • Knowing Karen (= from my experience of her in the past), she'll have done a good job.

  • formal I have known (= experienced) great happiness in my life.

  • Do you know about computers?

  • She knows her subject inside out (= very well).

  • Do you know any French?

  • That's Peter alright - I'd know him anywhere!

  • I know a bargain when I see one.

  • Do you know how to print on this computer?

  • The first couple of meetings are for the doctor and patient to get to know each other.

  • I'll need a few weeks to get to know the system.

• 2 to have knowledge about something that most people do not have:

  • This resort is considered by those who are in the know to have the best downhill skiing in Europe.

• 3 to have information in your mind; to be aware of something:

  • [ I ] “Where did he go?” “I don’t know.”

  • [ T ] Do you know the answer?

  • [ T ] She knows the name of every kid in school.

  • [ + question word ] Do you know how to tap dance?

  • [ + question word ] We don’t know when he’s arriving.

  • [ + (that) clause ] I knew (that) something was wrong from the start.

  • [ + question word ] I want to know how much this will cost.

  • Do you know of a good doctor?

• 4 to agree with or understand the reasons for an action or opinion:

  • [ + question word ] I don’t know what all the fuss is about.

  • [ + question word ] “What a stupid movie!” “I know what you mean.”

  • She knows what it’s like to go bankrupt – it happened to her 20 years ago.

• 5 to be familiar with a person or place:

  • [ T ] I’ve known Vince since we were in elementary school.

  • [ T ] She grew up in Hawaii so she knows it well.

  • [ T ] Knowing Debbie (= from my experience of her in the past), she’ll do a good job.

• 6 to feel certain about something:

  • I know I’d enjoy myself if I went.

  • [ + (that) clause ] I know (that) I took those library books back.

  • [ + wh- word ] I don’t know whether or not I should go to college.

  • I know I’d enjoy myself if I went.

  • [ + (that) clause ] I know (that) I took those library books back.

  • [ + question word ] I don’t know whether or not I should go to college.

• 7 to recognize someone or something, or to recognize the difference between two people or things:

  • That’s Pete – I’d know him anywhere.

  • I know a bargain when I see one!

• 8 Someone who is in the know has information about something:

  • Ask Keith – he’s always in the know about upcoming projects.