Word Direct Answers

What does "knowledge" mean?

Knowledge: That which is or may be known; the object of an act of knowing; a cognition; -- chiefly used in the plural. There is a great difference in the delivery of the mathematics, which are the most abstracted of knowledges. Bacon. Knowledges is a term in frequent use by Bacon, and, though now obsolete, should be revived, as without it we are compelled to borrow "cognitions" to express its import. Sir W. Hamilton. To use a word of Bacon's, now unfortunately obsolete, we must determine the relative value of knowledges. H. Spencer.

Additional senses

  1. 2.That which is gained and preserved by knowing; instruction; acquaintance; enlightenment; learning; scholarship; erudition. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 1 Cor. viii.
  2. 3.Ignorance is the curse of God; -Knowledge, the wing wherewith we fly to heaven. Shak.
  3. 4.That familiarity which is gained by actual experience; practical skill; as, a knowledge of life. Shipmen that had knowledge of the sea. 1 Kings ix.
  4. 5.5. Scope of information; cognizance; notice; as, it has not come to my knowledge. Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldst take knowledge of me Ruth ii.
  5. 6.6. Sexual intercourse; -- usually preceded by carnal; as, carnal knowledge.
  6. 7.To acknowledge. [Obs.] "Sinners which knowledge their sins." Tyndale.

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