What is knowledge? Pronunciation and usage in English

knowledge means . Learn how to pronounce and use knowledge through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of knowledge

knowledgenoun

/ˈnɒlɪdʒ/
Definition & pronunciation of knowledge

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "knowledge" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • ** /ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ (NOL-ij)**

Let's break that down further:

  • “Nol”: This part sounds like the word "roll" but with a shorter, sharper ‘o’ sound. Think of the ‘o’ in “lot”.
  • “Ij”: This is a tricky part! It’s a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds. It roughly sounds like “eye” but with a shorter, more closed sound. It’s almost like you’re saying “no-lee-j.”

Here’s a more detailed breakdown and some tips:

  1. Stress: The emphasis is on the first syllable: NOL.

  2. Vowel Sounds:

    • First syllable ("nol"): Close your mouth slightly. Make a short, sharp "o" sound, like in the word "lot." Think of a quick, tucked-in mouth shape.
    • Second syllable ("ij"): This is the tricky part. It's the diphthong. It's not like the long "i" in "kite." It's closer to the "i" in "bit" but shortened and more closed.

  3. Rhyme: While not a perfect rhyme, it sounds a little like “holiday”.

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google: Simply search for "how to pronounce knowledge" on Google and you'll get audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/knowledge/ - This website offers pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.
  • Youglish: https://youglish.com/w/knowledge – This shows you how the word is pronounced in actual YouTube videos.

Important Note: There are slight regional variations in pronunciation, but the /ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ pronunciation is the most standard.

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Usage and examples with the word knowledge in English

Let's break down how to use the word "knowledge" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a core meaning, but it can be used in many different ways.

1. Core Meaning: Information & Understanding

At its simplest, “knowledge” refers to facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education. It's more than just memorization; it’s understanding how and why things are.

  • Example: "He has a vast knowledge of ancient history." (He knows a lot about it and understands its context.)
  • Example: "Reading widely expands your knowledge." (It increases your understanding of the world.)

2. Grammatical Usage

  • Noun: This is the most common usage. It’s a thing – a body of information.
    • "Their success was based on their knowledge of the market."
    • "The company invested heavily in research to gain knowledge."
  • Plural: "Knowledge" becomes "knowledge” (no apostrophe).
    • "The students demonstrated a good knowledge of the subject matter."
  • Possessive: "Knowledge’s" (rarely used, often better to rephrase) - You’ll generally avoid this.

3. Different Ways to Use "Knowledge" - Phrases and Contexts

Here’s where “knowledge” gets interesting. It’s often used in combination with other words:

  • Knowledge of: This is a very common construction.
    • "She has a good knowledge of French." (She's proficient in French.)
    • "He lacks knowledge of the local customs.” (He doesn’t understand the customs.)
  • Knowledge about: Similar to "knowledge of."
    • "I have some knowledge about astrophysics." (I have information about astrophysics.)
  • Knowledge concerning: More formal, often used in official documents.
    • "The report provides knowledge concerning the impact of climate change."
  • Knowledgeable: (Adjective) – Describes someone who has a lot of knowledge.
    • "She is a knowledgeable expert in her field."
    • “He’s a very knowledgeable source on this topic.”
  • Gain knowledge: (Verb phrase) – To acquire knowledge.
    • “I’m trying to gain knowledge about artificial intelligence.”
  • Share knowledge: (Verb phrase) – To communicate knowledge.
    • “It's important to share knowledge within the team.”
  • Lack of knowledge: (Noun phrase) – A deficiency in understanding.
    • "A lack of knowledge about safety procedures led to the accident."
  • Common knowledge: (Noun phrase) – Information that is widely known.
    • "It's common knowledge that the Earth is round."

4. Distinguishing from Similar Words

  • Information: “Information” is often more raw data – facts and figures. “Knowledge” implies understanding and the ability to apply that understanding.
  • Wisdom: “Wisdom” is a deeper understanding that often comes from experience and judgment. It builds upon knowledge.
  • Learning: “Learning” is the process of acquiring knowledge.

5. Tips for Using “Knowledge” Effectively

  • Be Specific: Instead of just saying “He has a lot of knowledge,” try to specify what he knows. "He has extensive knowledge of medieval architecture."
  • Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of saying "She’s knowledgeable," describe how she demonstrates her knowledge. "She confidently answered all the questions about the historical context."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

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Synonyms for the word knowledge

Idioms of the word knowledge

be common/public knowledge
to be something that everyone knows, especially in a particular community or group
  • Their relationship is common knowledge.
come to somebody’s knowledge
(formal)to become known by somebody
  • It has come to our knowledge that you have been taking time off without permission.
to the best of your knowledge/belief
as far as you know
  • He never made a will, to the best of my knowledge.
to your knowledge
from the information you have, although you may not know everything
  • ‘Are they divorced?’ ‘Not to my knowledge.’
  • She never, to my knowledge, considered resigning.

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