knowing

1 of 2

adjective

know·​ing ˈnō-iŋ 

1

: having or reflecting knowledge, information, or intelligence

2

a

: shrewdly and keenly alert : astute

a knowing observer

b

: indicating possession of exclusive inside knowledge or information

a knowing smile

3

: cognitive

4

: deliberate

knowing interference in the affairs of another

knowingly adverb

knowingness noun

knowing

2 of 2

noun

: acquaintance, cognizance

Synonyms

Adjective

• hip
• wise

Examples of knowing in a Sentence

Adjective

She looked at us in a knowing way.

exchanged a knowing look with her business partner during the sales presentation

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Brown, in response, gave the singer a knowing look before bursting into laughter and putting her hands to her chin. —EW.com, 23 Oct. 2024

There is more collaboration, more knowing and being known, more sweetness. —Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, TIME, 17 Sep. 2024

Noun

While this may be easier said than done, tuning into your inner knowing can bring significant insights to the surface. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

There’s this quiet knowing that we’re meant to walk through every season of life together, and that’s such a beautiful feeling. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing knowing

• self-knowing

Kids Definition

knowing

adjective

know·​ing

ˈnō-iŋ

1

: having or showing special knowledge

a knowing smile

2

: shrewdly and keenly alert

3

: intentional

knowingly adverb

Legal Definition

knowing

adjective

know·​ing

1

: having or reflecting knowledge

a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel

see also intelligent

2

: deliberate sense 2

knowing possession

knowing endangerment

compare mens rea

knowingly adverb