known Meaning & Definition
What Does Known Mean?
Known is used as an adjective meaning generally recognized. As a verb, it means to perceive directly.
Quick Facts About Known
| Part of speech | adjective, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈnōn/ |
| Synonyms | illustrious, notable and renowned |
| Antonyms | unknown, misapprehended and misconceived |
| Comparative / superlative | better known, best known |
Known Definition (Adjective)
- generally recognized
a known authority on art
Known as a Verb
- to perceive directly : have direct cognition of
- to have understanding of
importance of knowing oneself
- to recognize the nature of : discern
- to recognize as being the same as something previously known
- to be acquainted or familiar with
- to have experience of
- to be aware of the truth or factuality of : be convinced or certain of
- to have a practical understanding of
knows how to write
- to have sexual intercourse with
- to have knowledge
- to be or become cognizant
Synonyms of Known
Antonyms of Known
Known in a Sentence
He was a known pickpocket.
At the time, Einstein's theory was unknown to most other scientists.
You have to tell the knowns from the unknowns.
He knew something terrible was going to happen.
Did you know Michelle and Jack were getting divorced? ― Yes, I knew.
I know your mother, but I’ve never met your father.
Their relationship knew ups and downs.
I wouldn't know one from the other.
His mother tongue is Italian, but he also knows French and English.
He knows about 19th century politics.
Do you know "Blueberry Hill"?
a known authority on art
importance of knowing oneself
knows how to write
a career diplomat who knows several languages
a fan who really knows baseball
knows full well how nerve-racking it can be to speak in public
I think I know what you're trying to say
Word Forms & Grammar
known
knew
know·ing
know·er noun
know
knower
knowers
knowing
knows
know from
knowable
known (comparative better known, superlative best known)
known (plural knowns)
Words That Rhyme With Known
Origin of Known
Origin 1: Middle English, from Old English cnāwan; akin to Old High German bichnāan to recognize, Latin gnoscere, noscere to come to know, Greek gignōskein
Origin 2: From Middle English knowen, from Old English cnāwen (past participle).
Origin 3: Morphologically know + -n.
First Known Use
14th century
before 12th centuryt
Quick Answers About Known
Is known an adjective or a verb?
Known is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for known?
Words with a similar meaning to known include illustrious, notable and renowned. See the full list of known synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of known?
Words opposite in meaning to known are unknown, misapprehended, misconceived and misinterpreted.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of known?
The comparative form is better known and the superlative form is best known.