{ "term": "know", "partOfSpeech": "verb", "ox3000": true, "cefr": "a1", "verbForms": { "presentSimple": { "iYouWeThey": "know", "heSheIt": "knows" }, "pastSimple": "knew", "pastParticiple": "known", "ingForm": "knowing" }, "definitions": [ { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "to have information in your mind as a result of experience or because you have learned or been told it", "sensetop": "know somethingknow (that)…it is known that…know where, who, etc…know about somethingknow of somebody/somethingknow to do somethingknow somebody/something to be/do something", "labels": "(informal)", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "No one **knows the answer**.", "contextForm": "know something" }, { "text": "I need to **know your name**." }, { "text": "The truth about what happened is not yet known." }, { "text": "**All I know** is that she used to work in a bank *(= I have no other information about her)*." }, { "text": "I know (that) people’s handwriting changes as they get older.", "contextForm": "know (that)…" }, { "text": "We **know from experience** that turning a hobby into a business is not easy." }, { "text": "I **know for a fact **(that) he didn't go to the party." }, { "text": "‘There's no one in.’ ‘**How do you know?**’" }, { "text": "‘You've got a flat tyre.’ ‘I know.’" }, { "text": "‘What's the answer?’ ‘I don't know.’" }, { "text": "**As you know**, Emma and I are old friends." }, { "text": "‘Isn’t that his car?’ ‘**I wouldn’t know./How should I know?**’ *(= I don’t know and I am not the person you should ask.)*" }, { "text": "‘What are you two whispering about?’ ‘**You don't want to know**’ *(= because you would be shocked or wouldn't approve)*." }, { "text": "It is widely known that CFCs can damage the ozone layer.", "contextForm": "it is known that…" }, { "text": "I knew where he was hiding.", "contextForm": "know where, who, etc…" }, { "text": "No one **knows for sure** who did it." }, { "text": "You know about Amanda's baby, don't you?", "contextForm": "know about something" }, { "text": "**I don't know about you, but** I'm ready for something to eat." }, { "text": "I **know next to nothing** *(= know almost nothing)* about opera." }, { "text": "I know of someone who can help us.", "contextForm": "know of somebody/something" }, { "text": "‘Is anyone else coming?’ ‘**Not that I know of.**’" }, { "text": "Does he know to come here *(= that he should come here)* first?", "contextForm": "know to do something" }, { "text": "We know her to be honest.", "contextForm": "know somebody/something to be/do something" }, { "text": "Strobe lights are known to cause seizures." }, { "text": "Do you know his address?" }, { "text": "The cause of the fire is not yet known." }, { "text": "Two women are known to have died." }, { "text": "I didn't know what he was talking about." }, { "text": "I need to know what everyone thinks about this." }, { "text": "‘He's feeling really down.’ ‘ I know.’" }, { "text": "She knows a lot about early music." }, { "text": "I don't know much about art." }, { "text": "I don't know for certain, but I think she lives in the next town." }, { "text": "I don't know of anyone who might be interested in the job." }, { "text": "I honestly don't know what they mean to do." }, { "text": "The properties of this substance are poorly known." }, { "text": "If you don't know how to fill in the forms, just ask." } ], "collocations": { "adverb": ["full well", "perfectly well", "very well"], "verb + know": ["let somebody"], "preposition": ["about", "of"], "phrases": [ "be widely known", "know a lot, nothing, very little, etc.", "you never know" ] } }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "to realize, understand or be aware of something", "sensetop": "know (that)…know what, how, etc…know something", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "As soon as I walked in the room I knew (that) something was wrong.", "contextForm": "know (that)…" }, { "text": "She knew she was dying." }, { "text": "‘Martin was lying all the time.’ ‘**I should have known**.’" }, { "text": "I knew perfectly well what she meant.", "contextForm": "know what, how, etc…" }, { "text": "I **know exactly** how you feel." }, { "text": "This case is hopeless **and he knows it** *(= although he will not admit it)*.", "contextForm": "know something" }, { "text": "If only we'd known you were having so many problems!" }, { "text": "You know very well what I'm talking about!" }, { "text": "If I'd known beforehand how bad it would be, I wouldn't have gone." }, { "text": "I instantly knew what the call was about." }, { "text": "He knew instinctively where he would find her." } ], "collocations": { "adverb": ["exactly", "precisely", "immediately"], "phrases": ["the next thing I, he, etc. knew"] } }, { "senseNumber": 3, "definition": "to feel certain about something", "sensetop": "know (that)…know (something)", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "He knew (that) he could trust her.", "contextForm": "know (that)…" }, { "text": "I know it's here somewhere!" }, { "text": "I know things will turn out all right." }, { "text": "I don't know that I can finish it by next week." }, { "text": "I just knew that it was something I wanted to do." }, { "text": "‘You were right—someone's been spreading rumours about you.’ ‘I knew it!’", "contextForm": "know (something)" }, { "text": "‘She's the worst player in the team.’ ‘Oh, **I don't know** *(= I am not sure that I agree)*—she played well yesterday.’" }, { "text": "She knew deep down that she would never see him again." }, { "text": "He knew that he could trust her." }, { "text": "I just knew there would be problems." } ], "topics": ["Doubt, guessing and certainty"], "collocations": { "adverb": ["exactly", "precisely", "immediately"], "phrases": ["the next thing I, he, etc. knew"] } }, { "senseNumber": 4, "definition": "to be familiar with a person, place, thing, etc.", "sensetop": "know somebody/something", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "I've known David for 20 years." }, { "text": "Do you two know each other *(= have you met before)*?" }, { "text": "She was a secretary when I first knew her." }, { "text": "She's very nice when you **get to know** her." }, { "text": "**Knowing Ben**, we could be waiting a long time *(= it is typical of him to be late)*." }, { "text": "This man **is known to the police** *(= as a criminal)*." }, { "text": "I don’t know anyone in Oxford." }, { "text": "I **know** Paris **well**." }, { "text": "Do you know the play *(= have you seen or read it before)*?" }, { "text": "How many of your neighbours do you **know by name**?" }, { "text": "The new rules could mean the end of football **as we know it** *(= in the form that we are familiar with)*." }, { "text": "He knows this city better than anyone." }, { "text": "I don't know them personally." }, { "text": "I don't know John very well." }, { "text": "But I hardly know the woman!" }, { "text": "I know several people who could help." }, { "text": "The product our consumers know and love will not change." } ], "collocations": { "adverb": ["well", "poorly", "barely"], "verb + know": ["get to"], "preposition": ["for"], "phrases": ["be known to somebody", "be widely known"] } }, { "senseNumber": 5, "definition": "to have learned a skill or language and be able to use it", "sensetop": "know somethingknow how to do something", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "Do you know any Japanese?", "contextForm": "know something" }, { "text": "Do you know how to use spreadsheets?", "contextForm": "know how to do something" } ] }, { "senseNumber": 6, "definition": "to think that somebody/something is a particular type of person or thing or has particular characteristics", "sensetop": "be known as somethingbe known for somethingbe known to be/do something", "cefr": "b1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "He has become **widely known** as an expert in child psychology.", "contextForm": "be known as something" }, { "text": "It's known as the most dangerous part of the city." }, { "text": "She is **best known** for her work on the human brain.", "contextForm": "be known for something" }, { "text": "He is internationally known for his work with vaccines." }, { "text": "He's known to be an outstanding physicist.", "contextForm": "be known to be/do something" } ] }, { "senseNumber": 7, "definition": "to give somebody/something a particular name or title", "sensetop": "be known as somebody/somethingbe known as somebody/something to somebodybe known by something", "cefr": "b1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "Iran was **formerly known** as Persia.", "contextForm": "be known as somebody/something" }, { "text": "The H5N1 virus is **more commonly known** as bird flu." }, { "text": "Peter Wilson, **also known** as ‘The Tiger’" }, { "text": "He was known as Bonzo to his friends.", "contextForm": "be known as somebody/something to somebody" }, { "text": "The country was not yet **known by the name of** England.", "contextForm": "be known by something" }, { "text": "parts of the body known collectively as the sensory system" }, { "text": "St Petersburg is variously known as the ‘Venice of the North’, ‘second Amsterdam’ or ‘northern Rome’." }, { "text": "He has been known by many names in his long life." } ], "collocations": { "adverb": ["commonly", "popularly", "affectionately"], "preposition": ["to"] } }, { "senseNumber": 8, "definition": "to be able to recognize somebody/something", "sensetop": "know somebody/something", "cefr": "b1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "I couldn't see who was speaking, but I knew the voice." }, { "text": "She knows a bargain when she sees one." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 9, "definition": "to understand the difference between one person or thing and another", "sensetop": "know somebody/something from somebody/something", "examples": [ { "text": "I hope we have taught our children to know right from wrong." } ], "synonyms": "distinguish (1), tell (7)" }, { "senseNumber": 10, "definition": "to have seen, heard or experienced something", "sensetop": "know somebody/something (to) do somethingbe known to do something", "examples": [ { "text": "I’ve never known it (to) snow in July before.", "contextForm": "know somebody/something (to) do something" }, { "text": "He has been known to spend all morning in the bathroom.", "contextForm": "be known to do something" } ] }, { "senseNumber": 11, "definition": "to have personal experience of something", "sensetop": "know something", "examples": [ { "text": "He has known both poverty and wealth." }, { "text": "She may be successful now, but she has **known what it is like to be** poor." }, { "text": "She thought she would never know the joy of seeing a child grow up in her care." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that you think you know, remember, understand, etc. something but you cannot be completely sure, especially because you do not know all the facts", "examples": [ { "text": "As far as we knew, there was no cause for concern." }, { "text": "As far as I can see, you've done nothing wrong." }, { "text": "She lived in Chicago, as far as I can remember." } ], "topics": ["Doubt, guessing and certainty"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "very quickly or suddenly", "examples": [ { "text": "We were whisked off in a taxi before we knew where we were." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have no way of realizing or being aware that you have done something wrong", "examples": [ { "text": "‘I'm sorry, I called when you were in bed.’ ‘Don't worry—you weren't to know.’" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that it is easier and wiser to stay in a bad situation that you know and can deal with rather than change to a new situation that may be much worse", "labels": "(saying)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to emphasize that you do not know something and that it is not important to you", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "She could be dead for all I know." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "used to emphasize that you do not know something", "examples": [ { "text": "God knows what else they might find." }, { "text": "‘Where are they?’ ‘Goodness knows.’" } ] }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "used to emphasize the truth of what you are saying", "examples": [ { "text": "She ought to pass the exam—goodness knows she's been working hard enough." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be confident that you know something, especially when you actually do not", "labels": "(informal, often disapproving)", "examples": [ { "text": "He thinks he knows all the answers." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know something perfectly so that you can repeat it at any time without having to think about it", "examples": [ { "text": "He had all the answers off pat." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be in poor condition", "labels": "(humorous)", "examples": [ { "text": "Our car has seen better days!" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to criticize somebody’s behaviour", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "I don't know how you can say things like that." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to tell somebody the true facts about a situation, especially when these are not known by other people", "examples": [ { "text": "If the truth be known, I was afraid to tell anyone." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "used to agree with somebody or to show sympathy", "cefr": "a2", "examples": [ { "text": "‘What a ridiculous situation!’ ‘I know.’" } ], "topics": ["Opinion and argument"] }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "used to introduce a new idea or suggestion", "cefr": "b1", "examples": [ { "text": "I know, let's see what's on at the theatre." } ], "topics": ["Suggestions and advice"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to criticize somebody by saying that they should realize or understand something", "examples": [ { "text": "You know as well as I do that you're being unreasonable." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know somebody/something extremely well", "labels": "(especially British English, informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "She must know the play backwards by now." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know what should be done, etc. better than other people", "examples": [ { "text": "The doctor told you to stay in bed, and she knows best." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be sensible enough not to do something", "examples": [ { "text": "He knows better than to judge by appearances." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to recognize somebody without knowing them well", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have information or evidence that the opposite is true", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "He says he doesn't care about what the critics write, but I know different." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be very aware of a fact and unable to deny or ignore it", "examples": [ { "text": "He knew full well what she thought of it." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be very familiar with somebody/something", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "This is where I grew up. I know this area like the back of my hand." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have very clear and definite ideas about what you want to do", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know a lot about a particular subject or job", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know/tell somebody some useful, interesting or surprising information about somebody/something", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "She's been married five times, so she knows a thing or two about men!" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know something because of something unpleasant that has happened to you", "examples": [ { "text": "She is a tough competitor, as I know to my cost." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be familiar with a place, subject, etc.", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have knowledge about something from your own experience", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "I worked there for 20 years, so I know what I'm talking about." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know where you can get an advantage for yourself", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to make sure that people are informed about something, especially by getting somebody else to tell them", "labels": "(formal)", "examples": [ { "text": "The President has let it be known that he does not intend to run for election again." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to tell somebody about something", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "I don't know if I can come, but I'll let you know tomorrow." }, { "text": "Let me know how I can help." }, { "text": "Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to emphasize what you are saying", "examples": [ { "text": "Lord knows, I tried to teach her." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that you do not know the answer to something", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "‘Why did she say that?’ ‘Lord knows!’" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to introduce yourself to somebody", "examples": [ { "text": "I made myself known to the hotel manager." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to behave badly, usually because you have not been taught the correct way to behave", "examples": [ { "text": "Don’t blame the children—they don’t know any better." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be very stupid; to have absolutely no skill", "labels": "(British English, offensive, slang)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know nothing about a subject", "labels": "(North American English, informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "I don’t know beans about making movies." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know nothing at all about somebody/something", "examples": [ { "text": "I’m afraid I don’t know the first thing about cars." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know nothing at all about something/somebody", "examples": [ { "text": "We’ve lived next to him for years, but we still don’t know the first thing about him." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to not know at all who somebody is", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be so surprised by something that you do not know how to react", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to feel very embarrassed and not know how to react", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be so excited or confused that you cannot behave or think in a sensible way", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have an easy life without realizing how easy it is", "labels": "(British English, informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "You people without kids don't know you're born." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to take no interest in something because you do not care about it or it is too much trouble", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "I've tried to ask her advice, but she doesn't want to know *(= about my problems)*." }, { "text": "‘How much was it?’ ‘**You don't want to know**’ *(= it is better if you don't know)*." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "old enough to behave in a more sensible way than you actually did", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to show somebody/know/learn how a particular job should be done", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that it is impossible to say what might happen", "examples": [ { "text": "There's no knowing how he'll react." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that somebody knows nothing about the subject you are talking about", "examples": [ { "text": "What does he know about football, anyway?" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to express surprise", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "Well, what do you know? Look who's here!" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "(know) what things are useful, important, etc.", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "She certainly knows what's what." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "used when you are thinking of what to say next", "examples": [ { "text": "Well, you know, it's difficult to explain." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "used to show that what you are referring to is known or understood by the person you are speaking to", "examples": [ { "text": "Guess who I've just seen? Maggie! You know—Jim's wife." }, { "text": "You know that restaurant round the corner? It's closed down." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 3, "definition": "used to emphasize something that you are saying", "examples": [ { "text": "I'm not stupid, you know." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to introduce an interesting or surprising opinion, piece of news, etc.", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "You know something? I've never really enjoyed Christmas." } ], "topics": ["Opinion and argument"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to refer to somebody/something without mentioning a name", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that you can never be certain about what will happen in the future, especially when you are suggesting that something good might happen", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [], "topics": ["Doubt, guessing and certainty", "Suggestions and advice"] } ], "pronunciations": { "uk": [ { "pronunciation": "/nəʊ/", "audio": "kn/know/know__gb_2.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/nəʊz/", "audio": "kn/know/knows__gb_1.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/njuː/", "audio": "kn/know/knew__gb_2.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/nəʊn/", "audio": "kn/know/known__gb_3.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/ˈnəʊɪŋ/", "audio": "kn/know/knowing__gb_2.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/aɪ ˈnəʊ/", "audio": "i/know/i_know_1_gb_1.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/ˈaɪ nəʊ/", "audio": "i/know/i_know_1_gb_3.mp3" } ], "us": [ { "pronunciation": "/nəʊ/", "audio": "kn/know/know__us_1.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/nəʊz/", "audio": "kn/know/knows__us_1.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/nuː/", "audio": "kn/know/knew__us_1.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/nəʊn/", "audio": "kn/know/known__us_2.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/ˈnəʊɪŋ/", "audio": "kn/know/knowing__us_1.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/aɪ ˈnəʊ/", "audio": "i/know/i_know_1_us_1.mp3" }, { "pronunciation": "/ˈaɪ nəʊ/", "audio": "i/know/i_know_1_us_3.mp3" } ] }, "wordOrigin": "Old English cnāwan (earlier gecnāwan) ‘recognize, identify’, of Germanic origin; from an Indo-European root shared by Latin (g)noscere, Greek gignōskein, also by can and ken." }