knowledge

The word “knowledge” means information, understanding, or awareness gained through experience, study, or being told. In plain terms, what you know — facts, skills, or understanding built up over time.

“Knowledge” is pronounced NOL-ihj (/ˈnɑ.lɪdʒ/ in IPA).

Here is “knowledge” used in a sentence: “His knowledge of medieval history was impressive.”

Words with a similar meaning to “knowledge” include awareness, cognizance, ken, knowingness and learning.

The opposite of “knowledge” — its antonyms — is ignorance.

“Knowledge” is a noun.

The word “knowledge” comes from Middle English. From Middle English knowleche, built from know plus an old suffix meaning roughly "practice" or "action.".

“Knowledge” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

Knowledge is having information and facts — knowing that something is true. Wisdom is knowing how and when to use that information well, through good judgment and experience. You can gather knowledge quickly by studying, but wisdom builds slowly and guides how knowledge is actually applied in life.

Information is raw facts and data on their own. Knowledge is what you get when you absorb, understand, and connect that information so you can use it. A phone number is information; understanding whose it is and when to call is closer to knowledge.

Thinkers often split knowledge into a few kinds: factual knowledge (knowing that something is so), practical or procedural knowledge (knowing how to do something), and experiential knowledge gained by living through events. Philosophers also separate knowledge from mere belief by asking whether it is true and justified.

Knowledge lets people make informed decisions, solve problems, and pass understanding to others. It underpins education, science, and skilled work, and it tends to build on itself, with each generation adding to what came before. This is why societies invest heavily in schools, libraries, and research.