adj
knowing
NOH-ihng
adj
1
Showing that one understands more than is being said; shrewd or meaningfully aware.
"She gave him a knowing look across the table."
2
Deliberate and done with full awareness.
"It was a knowing act of defiance."
How to Use Knowing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShowing private awareness or understanding, or done deliberately with full awareness.
Common pairings
a knowing look
a knowing smile
Word Forms
more knowing comparative, knowings plural, most knowing superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “knowing”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She gave him a _____ look across the table.
Etymology
From know plus -ing.