The correct spelling of the phrase "know as" is actually "known as." The word "known" is pronounced /noʊn/ in the IPA phonetic transcription, with a long /o/ sound and a silent "k." The "k" is dropped in the phrase "known as" to avoid any confusion in pronunciation. It is important to use proper spelling and pronunciation in written and spoken communication to ensure clarity and understanding.
"Know as" is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of recognizing, being familiar with, or identifying someone or something by a specific name or title. It implies having knowledge or awareness about a particular person, place, or thing and associating it with a given name or term.
When we say that someone or something is "known as," we are highlighting the fact that this individual or object is recognized and referred to by a specific designation or appellation. This phrase often arises when a person or entity possesses multiple names or titles, differentiating between what they are commonly referred to as and their actual given name. It can also be used to indicate a nickname or alias.
For example, if someone named Samantha prefers to be called Sam, we can say that Samantha is known as Sam to emphasize her preferred name. In a similar vein, a city known as "The Big Apple" colloquially might be explicitly described as "known as New York City," highlighting its official name.
Overall, "know as" serves as a means of making a distinction or clarification regarding the identity or title of a person, place, or thing, emphasizing the recognition and familiarity associated with a particular name or designation.
The phrase "know as" is not a standalone word, but rather a combination of two separate words: "know" and "as".
The word "know" can be traced back to the Old English word "cnawan", which means "to perceive, recognize, understand". It is related to similar words in German (kennen), Dutch (kennen), and Old Norse (kenna). Over time, the Middle English form of "know" emerged, which eventually evolved into the modern English word we use today.
The word "as" stems from the Old English word "ealswā", meaning "likewise, in the same manner". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "ais", which carries the same meaning. In Old English, "ealswā" started to evolve into "alswā", and eventually became the modern English word "as".