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What's the word for someone who thinks they know everything?
The word you're looking for
A person who acts as if they know everything and won't listen to others' opinions. This is the everyday English term for someone with an annoying attitude of superiority about their knowledge.
Other words that fit
Use this when you want to emphasize that someone is showing off their cleverness in an annoying way.
Use this when someone is obsessed with being correct about details and accuracy, not just general knowledge.
Very informal and playful, often used for children or close friends rather than serious criticism.
Why this word
A know-it-all is someone who acts as if they understand or know about everything, often annoying others by refusing to listen. The term is informal and common in everyday English to describe this frustrating personality trait. You can use it as a noun ("He is a know-it-all") or as an adjective ("He has a know-it-all attitude"). Similar terms like smart-aleck emphasize showing off cleverness, while pedant refers more to obsession with correctness. The word is slightly insulting, so use it carefully—it's fine among friends but rude in formal settings.
In context
- He's a know-it-all who always interrupts with his opinions.
- Don't be such a know-it-all and let others speak.
- She acts like a know-it-all, but she doesn't know what she's talking about.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'know-it-all' a rude word?
- Yes, it's an insult describing someone annoying. It's not a compliment, though you can use it jokingly with friends who don't mind.
- What's the difference between know-it-all and pedant?
- A know-it-all thinks they know everything about all topics. A pedant is obsessed with being correct about specific details and accuracy.
- Can I use 'know-it-all' as an adjective?
- Yes. You can say 'He has a know-it-all attitude' or 'That's a know-it-all response.' It means acting superior about knowledge.
- Are there other similar words?
- Yes. 'Smart-aleck' means someone who shows off cleverness. 'Smarty-pants' is very informal and playful. 'Clever clogs' is used in British English.