What does knowledge mean?
Knowledge is the body of facts, information, and understanding that a person acquires through learning, observation, and experience. It is used both for general understanding and for a particular area of expertise, as in “a knowledge of history” or “technical knowledge.” The word is usually uncountable, and a plural form exists only in uncommon formal or specialized usage. In everyday discussion, knowledge is often contrasted with wisdom: knowledge concerns what is known, whereas wisdom suggests sound judgment based on experience. The distinction is also frequently used in education and public debate, where access to information may be widespread but understanding, credibility, and the ability to apply information well remain uneven. As a result, knowledge can signify more than a collection of facts; it often implies organized understanding and the ability to recall and use what has been learned.
The information, facts, and understanding acquired through experience, study, or learning.
"The investigation revealed important knowledge about the causes of the disease."
Generally uncountable; “knowledge of” commonly introduces a subject or field.
Awareness, familiarity, or expertise concerning a subject, skill, situation, or person.
"The negotiations require detailed knowledge of local customs."
This sense commonly appears in the construction “a knowledge of” and may imply practical familiarity as well as academic understanding.
The noun is normally uncountable. The plural “knowledges” is rare and occurs chiefly in formal, philosophical, or specialized contexts.
"The lecture explored the different knowledges preserved in historical records."
Knowledge is a collection of facts, but wisdom is knowing which facts matter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does knowledge come from?
The word developed in Middle English as knowledege, formed from the verb know with the suffix -ledge. Its core language ancestry is Old English, in which the related verb was cnāwan, “to know, understand, or be acquainted with.” The same Germanic root underlies cognates including know, acknowledge, and recognize, while the Latin cognate cognize also refers to the process of knowing or understanding.
Related word forms
How knowledge is actually used
Knowledge is normally an uncountable noun. The plural “knowledges” occurs in formal or specialized contexts but is uncommon in everyday English. “A knowledge of” is standard when referring to familiarity with a subject or skill.
Easily confused with knowledge
Knowledge means information or understanding, whereas an acknowledgment is an expression of thanks, receipt, or recognition.
Knowledge consists of facts and information, while wisdom involves sound judgment and the practical application of experience.