knew

word · lemma: know

/ˈnju/, /ˈnu/
NYOO or NOO
/njˈuː/
NYOO

Definition

Past tense of 'know'; it means having information or awareness about something in the past.

Usage & Nuances

Used only as the past form of 'know'. Commonly paired with subjects that refer to people or things one has learned about or recognized before. Often confused with 'new', which relates to something recent or fresh.

Example Sentences

They knew it was going to rain.

basic

I knew the answer to the question.

basic

She knew him from school.

basic

I knew you'd like the movie!

natural

She knew exactly what to say.

natural

He knew the city well after living there for years.

natural