knew - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
knew Word Meanings
- to be aware of something
- to have information about something
- to understand or perceive
knew Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
knew Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/nəʊ/
US
/noʊ/
knew Word Etymology
know = no- (to perceive) + -w (the root meaning) → Old English 'cnāwan' (to know, recognize) → Middle English → Modern English. Imagine a light bulb turning on in your mind as knowledge dawns.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I move my focus to a detail and set my mind on it, like placing a tool in my hand. A soft shift happens as the detail clears and I feel a quiet certainty growing. I adjust my pace, push away the noise, and keep the information close in mind. In conversation or in a decision, that sense of knowing surfaces and guides what I say or do.
Real Context
Know is a versatile verb that expresses awareness, information, or understanding. You can say I know the answer, I know her, or Do you know where the station is? Know also appears in phrases like know-how for practical skill and know about to indicate information you have heard but not detailed understanding. Its forms include knew (past) and known (past participle). Note that knowing a fact is not the same as recognizing someone; English distinguishes knowing someone (as a person) from recognizing them (identifying them). Practice common collocations and particle questions (Do you know…?, How do you know…?).
Usage Reminders
- 1) Do not use am/are/is knowing; use know for states of awareness.
- 2) Distinguish know vs know about vs know how.
- 3) Know vs meet/recognize (know someone vs recognize someone).
- 4) Use knew/known for past and perfect forms.
- 5) Practice common collocations: know the facts, know the truth, know-how, know about.
Common Misconceptions
- Know means recognizing a person, not just being aware of them
- I knowed is incorrect; the past is knew, not 'know'ed
- Know about cannot replace know when you have full information
- Confusing know with understand in every context
- Using know with continuous tenses (am knowing) is usually wrong
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Know is a state verb (not usually progressive).
- Pair know with facts (know the answer) and people (know him).
- Use knew and known correctly in past and perfect tenses.
- Learn common collocations: know-how, know about, know the truth.
- Differentiate know from recognize when identifying people.
- Practice Do you know…? questions to start conversations.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'knew' mean?
A.To be aware of something in the past
B.To understand something
C.To guess an answer
D.To ask for information
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of 'knew' in a sentence.
A.She knows the answer to the question.
B.They know each other well.
C.I knew her from before.
D.He knows how to play the piano.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym of 'knew'?
A.forgot
B.understood
C.ignored
D.denied
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the antonym of 'knew'?
A.forgot
B.discovered
C.learned
D.remembered
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for the word 'knew'?
A.They had a meeting about the project yesterday.
B.I had heard the news before it was announced publicly.
C.Last week, she realized she had misjudged the situation.
D.He was surprised by the outcome of the game.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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