known
0 antonyms and opposites of known, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Recognized or identified as a particular type of person or thing; well-established in reputation.
How to use known
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
The past participle of "know," from Old English cnāwan, ultimately from a very old root meaning "to recognize" that also gave us "notice" and "note" in other languages.
Full origin of known →Frequently asked questions
What does “known” mean?
The word “known” means recognized or identified as a particular type of person or thing; well-established in reputation. In plain terms, already recognized, identified, or established as fact — the opposite of unknown.
How do you pronounce “known”?
“Known” is pronounced nohn (/noʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “known” in a sentence?
Here is “known” used in a sentence: “He is a known troublemaker at the office.”
What part of speech is “known”?
Depending on how it is used, “known” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “known” come from?
The word “known” comes from Old English. The past participle of "know," from Old English cnāwan, ultimately from a very old root meaning "to recognize" that also gave us "notice" and "note" in other languages.
Is “known” a common word?
“Known” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “known” have?
“Known” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: recognized or identified as a particular type of person or thing; well-established in reputation.
What is the difference between known and famous?
"Known" simply means recognised or identified — people are aware of the person or thing, sometimes only within a small circle. "Famous" means known very widely and usually admired. A shop can be known locally without being famous. Fame is large-scale, positive recognition; being known is broader and can be quite modest.
What is the difference between known and notorious?
Both mean recognised, but "notorious" is negative — known specifically for something bad, such as a notorious criminal. "Known" on its own is neutral. Someone can be known as a fine cook, which is positive, or known as a troublemaker; "notorious" always carries the sense of a bad reputation.
What is the opposite of known?
The main opposites are "unknown" and "unrecognised" — not identified, or lacking any established reputation. Depending on the sense, "anonymous," "obscure," or "unfamiliar" also work. A known figure is recognised; an unknown one is not, whether because they are new, hidden, or simply unnoticed by others.
Can 'known' describe facts as well as people?
Yes. Beyond reputation, "known" describes information established as true, as in "a known fact" or "known risks." Here it means confirmed and generally accepted rather than merely suspected. Whether applied to a person or a fact, "known" signals that something is recognised and established rather than uncertain or hidden.