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knowing

knowing

3.5
Showing that you understand something well
  • adjective
  • /ˈnoʊɪŋ/
translation icon : perspicaz
  • Her knowing smile suggested that she understood the joke before it was told.

Examples

  • With a knowing glance, he reassured her that everything would be fine.

  • The teacher had a knowing tone as she explained the complex topic.

  • But the real knowing yourself is not just knowing the personality.

  • And as time goes by, I find myself genuinely interesting, knowing less interesting.

  • The serpent tells Eve that they will not die, but instead become like God, knowing good and evil.

  • Geshita is a conscious knowing right and knowing self mediating.

Synonyms

savvy
vsknowing
  • Informal
114 4.4

Having practical knowledge and good judgment in a specific area

is more about broad understanding and clever insight than practical skill
knowledgeable
vsknowing
92 4.1

A person who has learned a lot about a subject

focuses more on clever insight and deep understanding than general breadth
insightful
vsknowing
79 5.7

Showing a clear, deep understanding of a difficult problem or situation

is broader, covering general knowledge and clever insight across topics
well-informed
vsknowing
33 3.5

A person who knows a lot about a subject or the world

leans more toward clever insight and understanding than only factual awareness
discerning
vsknowing
20 6.7

Able to notice small details and make good choices

focuses more on general knowledge and clever insight than only judgment
well-read
vsknowing
15 4.5

Knowing a lot because you read many books

focuses more on clever insight and understanding beyond reading knowledge
informed
vsknowing
3.7

Someone who knows a lot about a subject because they have the facts

emphasizes insight and general understanding beyond topic-specific facts
learned
vsknowing
  • Formal
6.0

Very well educated and knowing a lot about a subject

is more about clever insight and practical understanding rather than academic depth

Antonyms

367 3.7

Not knowing about something or how it works

42 3.7

Not knowing about a subject or situation

Idioms

A polite goodbye said when you do not expect to see someone again

How Knowledgeable

astute
40 6.9
insightful
79 5.7
knowing
3.5
knowledgeable
92 4.1
aware
2.7
uninformed
42 3.7

Surface Forms

knowing positive

Morphology

knowing = know (transparent) = know + ing

A straightforward participial/adjectival form from 'know' meaning 'having or showing knowledge', which learners can derive from the base.

Etymology

Knowing comes from know and knowledge, so to call someone 'knowing' is to say they have understanding or clever insight into a subject.