Knowingly
ˈnəʊɪŋli
Definitions
With awareness or conscious understanding; intentionally.
ˈnəʊɪŋli
With awareness or understanding of something.
He knowingly broke the rules, knowing the punishment.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're doing something and you're completely aware of it. Like, you *knowingly* ate the last cookie, even though you weren't supposed to.
👶 For kids: When you do something and you know it's happening.
More Examples
The company knowingly released the product despite its flaws.
She knowingly walked into the trap.
How It's Used
"The defendant knowingly provided false information."
"He knowingly took the risk, understanding the potential consequences."
From Middle English *knowingly*, equivalent to know + -ing + -ly. The verb 'know' derives from Old English *cnāwan* ('to know').
The term 'knowingly' has been used since the 15th century to emphasize the state of being aware of a fact or situation.
Memory tip
Think of someone nodding their head while they know what they're doing.