knowledge
Facts, ideas, and skills a person has learned or discovered.
Word facts
Definition
Knowledge is what a person knows — facts, ideas, skills, and understanding gained through experience, study, or discovery. Knowledge grows over time and can be shared, taught, and built upon by others.
Usage: Knowledge is usually uncountable (we say 'some knowledge', not 'a knowledge'). However, you can say 'a knowledge of French' when referring to a specific subject area.
Example sentences
- 1
Her knowledge of local history made the museum tour far more interesting for everyone.
- 2
Medical knowledge has grown enormously over the last century.
- 3
He used his technical knowledge to solve the problem in just a few minutes.
Word family
From Middle English knowleche, combining know (from Old English cnawan) with the suffix -leche (an act of knowing). The root 'know' traces back to Latin gnoscere and Greek gignōskein — both meaning to perceive or recognize.
Knowledge has 'know' right at the start. And -ledge is like a ledge where knowledge stands, looking out over everything below it. Know what you're standing on.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
Is the k silent in knowledge?
Yes. The 'kn' at the start of knowledge is pronounced just 'n'. Knowledge sounds like NAH-lij.
What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?
Knowledge is having information or facts. Wisdom is knowing how to use that knowledge well and make sound judgments. You can have knowledge without wisdom.
How many syllables does knowledge have?
Knowledge has 2 syllables: knowl-edge. The stress is on the first syllable: KNOWL-edge.
What is the adjective form of knowledge?
The adjective form is knowledgeable. Example: She is very knowledgeable about nutrition.