knowledge
gb/nˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/ us/nˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
B1
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
awareness and understanding
What you know and understand because you have learned or experienced it.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has knowledge of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'knowledge' with 'information'. 'Knowledge' is what someone knows and understands, while 'information' is the data itself.
Synonyms
understanding (Stresses comprehension of meaning rather than just possession of facts.)
|
awareness (Often suggests conscious recognition of something rather than deep comprehension.)
Antonyms
ignorance (The state of not knowing or being unaware of something.)
Collocations
gain knowledge
|general knowledge
|knowledge of the subject
|share knowledge
|acquire knowledge
Themes
education
|communication
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her knowledge of history is impressive.
- You need to have a basic knowledge of computers for this job.
- He shared his knowledge with the new employees.
- The course will help you expand your knowledge.
- Knowledge of the law is important for this position.
Learner examples
- I have good knowledge of English.
- She has knowledge about animals.
- We get knowledge from books.
- He needs more knowledge to do the work.
- My teacher has a lot of knowledge.
Noun
B2
entity
2
specific information about something
Facts or details that someone knows about something.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has knowledge of [topic/situation]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'knowledge' (what you know) with 'skill' (what you can do). For example, having knowledge of swimming does not mean you can swim well.
Synonyms
expertise (Implies a high level of skill or specialized knowledge in a field.)
|
familiarity (Suggests having some experience or acquaintance with something, not necessarily deep expertise.)
Antonyms
unawareness (Lack of awareness about a specific fact or situation.)
Collocations
detailed knowledge
|working knowledge
|specialist knowledge
|technical knowledge
Themes
education
|law
|business
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He has a working knowledge of French.
- The lawyer had detailed knowledge of the case.
- Her technical knowledge is essential for this project.
- We need someone with specialist knowledge in marketing.
Learner examples
- I have some knowledge of cooking.
- She has good knowledge of the rules.
- He has technical knowledge about computers.
- They have specialist knowledge in music.
Grammar
Dictionary form
knowledge
IPA
GB/nˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
US/nˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
Syllables & stress
know - ledge (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (know)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: knowledge
- Plural: knowledge, knowledges
Word family
Forms
knowledges
noun
Core family
know
verb A1
knowledgeable
adjective B2
Related words
knowingly
adverb B2
knowledgeably
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unknown
adjective A2
unknowingly
adverb
Advanced or less common
knowable
adjective
unknowable
adjective
Expressions
common knowledge
1/kˈɑmən nˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
widely known fact or information
Something that many people know and accept as true.
Examples
- It’s common knowledge that the Earth orbits the Sun.
- Her love for chocolate is common knowledge among her friends.
in the know
1/ˈɪn ðə nˈoʊ/
idiom
informal
having insider information
Knowing special or secret things that most people do not know.
Examples
- Only a few people in the company are in the know about the merger.
- She likes to stay in the know about fashion trends.
to my knowledge
1/tə mˈaɪ nˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
as far as I personally know
Used to say that you think something is true based on what you personally know.
Examples
- To my knowledge, he has never been to Japan.
- To my knowledge, this is the first time they met.
to the best of my knowledge
1/tə ðə bˈɛst əv mˈaɪ nˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
as far as I know
Used to say that you think something is true based on what you know, but you are not completely sure.
Examples
- To the best of my knowledge, the meeting starts at 3 p.m.
- To the best of my knowledge, she still lives in New York.
to the best of my knowledge
1/tə ðə bˈɛst əv mˈaɪ nˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
formal
as far as I know
Use this to say something is true based on what you know.
Examples
- To the best of my knowledge, the files were sent yesterday.
- To the best of my knowledge, no one has reported a problem.
- To the best of my knowledge, he isn’t working there anymore.