Phrase guide

know of

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To be aware of the existence of someone or something, but to have little or no other knowledge beyond that point.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To know about a specific individual by reputation without having met them.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • I do not know Jane Smith but I know of her.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Arabic: عَلِمَ بِـ (ʕalima bi-) — To be aware of (someone's or something's) existence
  • Swedish: känna till — To be aware of (someone's or something's) existence