To know something is to be aware of it, understand it, or be sure that it is true.
From Old English *cnāwan*, meaning to recognize or understand, related to German *kennen* and Latin *gnoscere*. The original beginning *kn-* sound was once fully pronounced, which is why the spelling still has a silent ‘k’.
The word *know* is cousins with *knowledge*, *notice*, and even *recognize*—they all trace back to roots about seeing or becoming aware. When you say you “know” something, you’re using a word that once meant more like “I’ve met this before and recognize it.”
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