knowing

• Décrit une personne qui montre qu'elle sait ou comprend quelque chose, souvent de manière subtile ou dissimulée.

Describes someone who shows that they know or understand something, often in a subtle or secretive way.

1. Showing subtle awareness or shared understandingB2formal

   Describes an expression, gesture, or remark that suggests the person possesses information or insight not openly expressed, often implying a silent connection or mutual comprehension with another individual. This usage frequently appears in contexts involving non-verbal communication.

   Entendu / Complice

   • She gave a knowing smile when the topic was mentioned.
   • He nodded in a knowing way, as if he had expected this outcome.
   • The two friends exchanged knowing glances across the room.
   • Her knowing look suggested she was aware of the secret plan.
   • There was a knowing chuckle from the audience at the subtle reference.

   Synonymesclevereloquentexpressiveinsightfulmeaningfulperceptivesharpsignificantsuggestiveunderstanding

   Antonymesguilelessingenuousinnocentnaiveunawareunsuspecting

2. Deliberate or intentionalB2formal

   Done with full awareness and purpose; not accidental.

   fait avec intention

   • It was a knowing attempt to mislead the audience.
   • His knowing actions caused the delay.
   • The decision was a knowing choice to prioritize safety.

   Synonymescalculatedconsciousdeliberateintentionalpurposefulwilful

   Antonymesaccidentalinadvertentunconsciousunintentionalunwitting

3. Displaying intelligence, shrewdness, or worldly experienceC1formal

   Refers to a person or manner that reflects acquired knowledge, perceptiveness, or practical wisdom, often gained through experience. This sense emphasizes mental sharpness and the ability to read situations or people accurately.

   perspicace

   • The novel's protagonist is a knowing observer of human nature.
   • She approached the negotiation with a knowing confidence born of years in the field.
   • His knowing commentary on politics revealed deep familiarity with the subject.
   • The critic's knowing analysis impressed even seasoned readers.
   • A knowing traveler, she packed light and anticipated every contingency.

   Synonymesacuteastutecannydiscerninginsightfulperceptivesagacioussavvyshrewdsophisticatedwiseworldly

   Antonymesguilelessingenuousinnocentnaiveunsophisticated

4. Well-informed and alertC1formal

   Being fully aware and knowledgeable about a situation.

   bien informé et perspicace

   • She is a knowing participant in the negotiations.
   • The journalist was knowing about the political scandal.
   • He remained knowing and attentive throughout the briefing.

   Synonymesalertastuteawarediscerninginformedknowledgeableperceptivesavvyshrewdwise

   Antonymesignorantnaiveobliviousunawareuninformed

• Nom désignant l'état de perception ou de compréhension mentale claire et assurée, ainsi que le fait de savoir ou d'être informé.

A noun referring to a state of having clear and certain mental apprehension or understanding.

1. Clear UnderstandingC1formal

   The state of having clear and certain mental comprehension or awareness.

   connaissance claire

   • Her knowing of the situation helped her make the right decision.
   • The philosopher spoke of a deep knowing that transcends mere facts.
   • He has a profound knowing about human nature.

   Synonymesapprehensionawarenesscognizancecomprehensionknowledgeunderstanding

   Antonymesignoranceincomprehensionunawareness

• Verbe utilisé pour indiquer le fait de détenir une information, d'être conscient ou de comprendre quelque chose par l'expérience ou l'étude.

A verb used to indicate having information, awareness, or understanding of something through experience or study.

verbe irrégulier

1. Have knowledge or informationA1formal

   To have information in your mind as a result of experience or learning.

   Savoir (avoir connaissance)

   • I know the answer to that question.
   • She knows a lot about history.
   • Do you know where the nearest station is?

   Synonymescomprehendperceiverealizerecognizeunderstand

2. Be familiar withA1formal

   To be acquainted with a person, place, or thing.

   connaître (être familier avec)

   • I know her from school.
   • He knows Paris very well.
   • Do you know this restaurant?

   Synonymesrecognize

3. Be able to recognizeA2formal

   To be able to identify or distinguish something.

   Reconnaître

   • I would know his voice anywhere.
   • She knows the difference between right and wrong.
   • You know a good wine when you taste it.

   Synonymesdiscerndistinguishidentifymake outperceiverecognizespot

   Antonymesconfusemisidentify