Knowledge Synonym Guide —Definition, Antonyms & Examples

Knowledge means “an awareness of a subject, acquired chiefly through study or observation.” A synonym for knowledge is ‘awareness.’ Other words that share the same meaning as the term will be explored in this guide.

Definition of Knowledge

The word ‘knowledge’ is a noun. It originates from Middle English knowleche, knaweleche, cnawlece (“knowledge”).

Knowledge means:

• A general understanding or familiarity with a subject, place, situation, etc., i.e., Jerry has limited knowledge of Philosophy.
• An awareness of a particular fact or situation; a state of being informed or made aware of something.

Sentence Examples

• Sarah’s vast knowledge of Psychology is commendable.
• Knowledge dispels the fear of the unknown.
• Do you have any knowledge about life on an Island?
• I have adequate knowledge of Geography but know nothing about Physics.
• John used his knowledge of electricity to restore power to our rooms.
• Your wealth of knowledge amazes me; how do you know so much?
• Mr. Hose is a man of knowledge who is much respected in our community.
• You’re making wild assumptions based on scant information; go for more knowledge.
• Do you have more knowledge about this?

Synonym for Knowledge — Exploring words with Similar Meanings

The dictionary defines knowledge as “the awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or subject.” Synonyms for ‘knowledge’ include awareness, familiarity, comprehension, insight, erudition, cognizance, and apprehension. Words related to ‘knowledge’ are recognition, consciousness, perception, and realization.

1. Comprehension

The term originates from Middle French compréhension, Latin comprehensiō (“taking together”), from com– (“with, together”) +‎ prehendō (“take”). Comprehension means the thorough understanding of a subject.

• I don’t have a comprehension of the concept of motion in physics.
• John’s has a thorough comprehension of Chemistry; you should meet him for help.

2. Awareness

Awareness is from aware + -ness. Aware is of West Germanic origin; related to German gewahr “watchful, vigilant.” -ness is a word-forming element that connotes quality, action, or state. Awareness is the quality of being aware of something.

• Jacinta’s timely awareness of the situation reduced its adverse events.
• We need to create awareness about the effects of drug abuse.

3. Insight

The word insight – “an extended view of a subject” can be traced to Middle English insight, insiht (“mental vision, intelligence”), equivalent to in- +‎ sight.

• Can you offer your insights into this matter?
• This afternoon, I shared my insights on the company’s growth with the Board of Directors.

4. Familiarity

‘Familiarity’ is from Middle French familiarité, and Latin familiāritātem. Also, familiar +‎ -ity. Familiarity means “recognition acquired from experience.”

• I have a basic familiarity with financial accounting.
• Nathan’s proper sentence construction is due to his familiarity with the grammar book.

5. Apprehension

Apprehension is a synonym for knowledge, borrowed from Latin apprehensio, apprehensionis (‘learning, acquisition of knowledge). The apprehension of something is the recognition and awareness of it.

• I had a full apprehension of the subject after I went through it again.
• Maria’s Mathematics tutorials gave me an apprehension of the binomial equation.

Antonyms for Knowledge — Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

1. Ignorance

Ignorance originates from Old French ignorance, and Latin ignōrantia. Also, from ignore +‎ -ance. Ignorance connotes a lack of knowledge or information.

• Henry’s ignorance of literary devices is gross; I might need to take him through some lessons.
• Thompson’s ignorance was a setback to our project.

2. Illiteracy

The term ‘illiteracy’ is from illiterate + abstract noun suffix -cy. ‘Illiterate’ originates from Latin illiteratus “unlearned, unlettered, ignorant; without culture, inelegant.” Illiteracy is the state of being ignorant.

• Illiteracy can only be curbed when education is given paramount importance.
• In the government’s quest to fight illiteracy, it furnished libraries in the state schools with books.

3. Unacquainted

Unacquainted is from un- +‎ acquainted. Un- is a prefix of negation. Acquainted is the past tense of the verb acquaint—“to gain personal knowledge of something.” Unacquainted means “being unfamiliar with something.”

• I am unacquainted with history.
• James mentioned that he was unacquainted with insecurity matters ravaging the country.

To Wrap Up

Knowledge is an English word that describes an intellectual understanding or familiarity with something. A synonym for knowledge is ‘awareness.’ Other words with similar meanings are familiarity, comprehension, insight cognizance, and erudition.

The antonyms for the word ‘knowledge’ include “ignorance,” “illiteracy,” and “unacquainted.” You can use a thesaurus to learn other synonyms and antonyms for knowledge.