How Do You Spell KNEW?

Pronunciation: [njˈuː] (IPA)

The word "knew" is spelled with the letters K-N-E-W. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /njuː/. This transcription reflects the sound of the word, which is pronounced with a long "u" sound, as in "new". The spelling of "knew" does not follow regular English spelling rules, which can make it difficult for English language learners to remember. However, with practice, learners can become fluent in writing and pronouncing this irregular verb.

KNEW Meaning and Definition

  1. Knew is the past tense of the verb "to know." This term refers to the state of being aware or having knowledge or information about something. Knew is used to indicate that the subject possessed knowledge or familiarity with a particular fact, idea, or concept in the past.

    Knew is often associated with comprehension or understanding, as it represents a recognition or awareness of the truth or existence of someone or something. It can imply mental recognition or perception, especially through direct observation, personal experience, or through learning and education. It can also denote familiarity with a person or a place.

    The term can be used in a variety of contexts, such as to express having knowledge of a person's identity, an event that occurred in the past, or a particular skill or subject. For example, "I knew her from my childhood" suggests that the speaker had an acquaintance with the mentioned person in the past. Similarly, "He knew how to play the guitar" implies that the subject possessed the skill of playing the guitar.

    In summary, knew is the past tense form of the verb "to know," signifying a state of being aware or having knowledge about someone or something in the past. It conveys comprehension, recognition, or familiarity based on direct observation, personal experience, or learning.

  2. • Of know, which see.
    • Did know.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for KNEW *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for KNEW

Etymology of KNEW

The word knew is the past tense of the verb know. The etymology of know can be traced back to the Old English word cnawan, which meant perceive or recognize. It has roots in the Proto-Germanic language and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the Dutch kennen and the German kennen. These, in turn, are thought to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *gno-, meaning to know.

Idioms with the word KNEW

  • the next thing I knew The definition of the idiom "the next thing I knew" is: Expressing the suddenness or unexpectedness of an event or situation that happens so quickly that it seems like no time had passed since the previous moment or action. It often implies a lack of awareness or anticipation of what comes next.
  • If I knew you were coming, I'd have baked a cake The idiom "If I knew you were coming, I'd have baked a cake" is commonly used as a humorous expression or an example of being caught unprepared. It signifies regret for not being informed or prepared for someone's visit or arrival. The phrase implies that if the speaker had known earlier, they would have made an effort to be better prepared or provide a warmer welcome. Ultimately, it conveys the idea of missed opportunities or a lack of foresight.
  • knew it was coming The idiom "knew it was coming" means to be aware or anticipate that something would happen or occur. It implies being prepared or mentally prepared for a particular event, outcome, or situation.

Similar spelling words for KNEW

Conjugate verb Knew

CONDITIONAL

I would knew
you would knew
he/she/it would knew
we would knew
they would knew
I would know
we would know
you would know
he/she/it would know
they would know

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be knowing
you would be knowing
he/she/it would be knowing
we would be knowing
they would be knowing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have knew
you would have knew
he/she/it would have knew
we would have knew
they would have knew

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been knowing
you would have been knowing
he/she/it would have been knowing
we would have been knowing
they would have been knowing

FUTURE

I will know
you will know
he/she/it will know
we will know
they will know

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be knowing
you will be knowing
he/she/it will be knowing
we will be knowing
they will be knowing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have known
you will have known
he/she/it will have known
we will have known
they will have known

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been knowing
you will have been knowing
he/she/it will have been knowing
we will have been knowing
they will have been knowing

IMPERATIVE

you know
we let´s know

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to know

PAST

I knew
you knew
he/she/it knew
we knew
they knew

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was knowing
you were knowing
he/she/it was knowing
we were knowing
they were knowing

PAST PARTICIPLE

known

PAST PERFECT

I had known
you had known
he/she/it had known
we had known
they had known

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been knowing
you had been knowing
he/she/it had been knowing
we had been knowing
they had been knowing

PRESENT

I know
you know
he/she/it knows
we know
they know

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am knowing
you are knowing
he/she/it is knowing
we are knowing
they are knowing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

knowing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have known
you have known
he/she/it has known
we have known
they have known

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been knowing
you have been knowing
he/she/it has been knowing
we have been knowing
they have been knowing
I would have known
we would have known
you would have known
he/she/it would have known
they would have known

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