adj
Very common
knowing
NOH-ihng
Knowing (adj) means showing that one understands more than is being said; shrewd or meaningfully aware. Example: “She gave him a knowing look across the table.”
adj
1
Showing that one understands more than is being said; shrewd or meaningfully aware.
"She gave him a knowing look across the table."
"He gave a knowing smile when she mentioned the surprise party."
"With a knowing nod, the waiter brought the usual order."
2
Deliberate and done with full awareness.
"It was a knowing act of defiance."
"Hiding the mistake was a knowing choice, not an accident."
"The manager made a knowing decision to ignore the safety rules."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- knowings
- Comparative
- more knowing
- Superlative
- most knowing
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She gave him a _____ look across the table.
Etymology
From know plus -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for knowing
See all rhymes for knowing →Frequently asked questions
What does “knowing” mean?
The word “knowing” means showing that one understands more than is being said; shrewd or meaningfully aware. In plain terms, showing private awareness or understanding, or done deliberately with full awareness.
How do you pronounce “knowing”?
“Knowing” is pronounced NOH-ihng (/ˈnoʊɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “knowing” in a sentence?
Here is “knowing” used in a sentence: “She gave him a knowing look across the table.”
What is another word for “knowing”?
Words with a similar meaning to “knowing” include knowful.
What part of speech is “knowing”?
“Knowing” is an adjective.
Is “knowing” a common word?
“Knowing” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “knowing” have?
“Knowing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: showing that one understands more than is being said; shrewd or meaningfully aware.
What is an example of a 'knowing' look?
A knowing look is a glance or smile that signals you understand something unspoken — a shared secret, a hidden joke, or the real meaning behind someone's words. Picture two friends catching each other's eye with a knowing smile when a third person misses the point. The look says 'I get it' silently.
What is the difference between 'knowing' and 'knowledgeable'?
Knowing describes shrewd, perceptive awareness — often of something unspoken or sly, as in a knowing wink. Knowledgeable means well-informed, having a lot of facts or expertise on a subject. A knowing person senses what is really going on; a knowledgeable person can explain it in detail. The two are easily confused.
Is 'knowing' a positive word?
Usually it is neutral to positive, suggesting sharpness, insight, and perceptiveness — qualities we tend to admire. But tone matters: a knowing smile can also carry a hint of smugness or slyness, as if the person is quietly enjoying an advantage. Context decides whether it reads as astute or a little superior.
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