knowledge
UK: ˈnɒlɪdʒ | US: ˈnɑːlɪdʒ
n. the facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education
n. awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation
n. the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject
knowledge = know<perceive> + ledge<noun suffix>
- know: From Old English cnāwan (to perceive, recognize), derived from Proto-Germanic knēaną. Retains the core meaning of perceiving or understanding.
- ledge: A nominalizing suffix derived from Old English -lǣċ (related to action or state), later evolving into -ledge to form abstract nouns.
Etymology Origin:
The word knowledge originated in Middle English as knouleche, combining know (perception) + -ledge (state or condition). It reflects the transition from Old English’s concrete verb cnāwan to an abstract noun denoting accumulated understanding. The suffix -ledge parallels other noun-forming suffixes like -ship (e.g., friendship), emphasizing a state of being. The spelling stabilized in the 14th century, aligning with the verb know while retaining its Germanic roots.
Scientific knowledge advances through rigorous experimentation.
She has extensive knowledge of medieval literature.
Practical knowledge often outweighs theoretical learning.
The course aims to deepen students’ knowledge of economics.
His knowledge of local customs impressed the travelers.