knowledge
/ˈnɒl.ɪdʒ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Information, facts, or understanding you get from learning, experience, or study. It can mean what someone knows about a subject or about life in general.
- Her knowledge of history is very strong.
- You need basic knowledge of computers.
- He has little knowledge about the law.
Adinary Nuance
Knowledge is broader than facts alone. It can mean what you know, how well you understand a subject, or what someone has learned over time. Compared with 'information', it suggests deeper understanding, not just data. Compared with 'wisdom', it is about knowing things, not mainly about good judgment.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- kiến thức
- Spanish
- conocimiento
- Chinese
- 知识
- Japanese
- 知識
- Korean
- 지식
Etymology
From Old English 'cnāwleċge', related to 'know'. It has been used in English since the early Middle English period.
Common phrases
general knowledgeworking knowledgeknowledge ofcommon knowledge
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is knowledge countable or uncountable?
- It is usually uncountable. We say "a lot of knowledge" or "some knowledge".
- What is the difference between knowledge and information?
- Information is data or facts. Knowledge is a deeper understanding of those facts.
- What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?
- Knowledge means knowing facts or ideas. Wisdom means using that knowledge well.
- Is knowledge formal or common in academic English?
- It is very common in academic and professional writing. It is also used in everyday speech.