Knowing

ˈnəʊɪŋ

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Present participle of the verb "know"

ˈnəʊɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
Action

Present participle of the verb 'know'

He is knowing the information as the teacher explains it.

💡 Simply: It's like you're in the middle of figuring something out, like when you're still learning how to ride a bike and you're *knowing* you have to keep your balance!

👶 For kids: When you're still learning about something, like when you're *knowing* the letters in your name.

More Examples

2

She is knowing the facts before taking the test.

3

We are knowing the instructions to build the Lego set.

How It's Used

General

"She is knowing the answer to the question."

2

Having knowledge or being aware of something; shrewd or perceptive.

ˈnəʊɪŋ

adjectiveneutralmedium
State of Being

Possessing knowledge or awareness.

She gave me a knowing look when I mentioned his name.

💡 Simply: It's like you have a secret, or you understand something that other people don't quite get. Imagine your friend's about to get a surprise party and you give a knowing wink, because *you know*!

👶 For kids: When you know a secret or understand something that others don't.

More Examples

2

His knowing glance revealed his awareness of the situation.

3

The detective's knowing demeanor suggested he had solved the case.

How It's Used

General

"The knowing smile on her face suggested she was aware of the secret."

Psychology

"A knowing look can often convey empathy."

Tip:Think of someone giving a knowing wink - they're 'in the know'.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

in the know

Having secret or privileged information.

"He's in the know about the company's plans."

know what's what

To be able to understand or judge what is important in a situation; to be wise or experienced.

"He knows what's what in the world of finance."

From Middle English knowynge, present participle of knowen (to know), from Old English cnāwan (to know), from Proto-Germanic *knēaną.

Used since the Middle Ages in various forms; the modern form reflects the evolution of the English language.

Memory tip

It's the action of having information or understanding.

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"To perceive, understand, or have awareness of."

a knowing lookknowing smileknowing glance

Common misspellings

nowingnowing

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written