past participle
It describes having information about a fact, an answer, or a situation.
I have known the answer since yesterday.
She has known the truth for years.
Good to know
Use known after have, has, or had; use knew for a simple past event.
American English
How to pronounce known
verb · adjectiveA1Very common word
NOHN
/noʊn/
One syllable.
Form of know
Known is the past participle of know and is also commonly used as an adjective.
It describes having information about a fact, an answer, or a situation.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
past participle
It describes being familiar with a person, place, or thing because someone has met, visited, or used it.
I have known Carlos for years.
She has known this neighborhood since childhood.
past participle
It describes having learned how to do something and being able to do it.
I have always known how to fix a flat tire.
He has known how to use the software since training.
past participle
It describes understanding a feeling or situation through personal experience.
I have known what it feels like to lose a job.
She has known how difficult this decision can be.
Useful expressions
based on the information I have
As far as I know, the office is still open.
understand the point I am making
You need to set boundaries, if you know what I mean.
having special or current information; informal
Ask Maya; she's in the know.
Related words & forms
The past form is knew, and the form used after have is known: I knew; I have known.