knowledge
UK[ˈnɒlɪdʒ]US[ˈnɑːlɪdʒ]
n
Information, understanding, and skills that you gain through education or experience.
n
The state of knowing about or being familiar with something.
Etymology
The word 'knowledge' has a deep Germanic lineage, tracing back to the Old English verb 'cnawan', meaning "to know, perceive, or recognize." This verb is derived from the Proto-Germanic knēaną, which in turn finds its ultimate source in the Proto-Indo-European root ǵneh₃-, meaning "to know." The suffix '-lac' in Old English was used to form nouns indicating an action, practice, or state, akin to the modern '-ship' or '-hood'. Over time, the Middle English form 'knowleche' evolved, merging the concept of "knowing" with the abstract noun-forming suffix. The modern spelling 'knowledge' solidified in the late 14th century, crystallizing the abstract concept of the state, fact, or condition of knowing, which encompasses facts, information, skills, and awareness.
Analysis
The word is a simplex form. It originates from the Middle English term 'knowleche', which itself was formed from the verb 'knowen' (to know) combined with the suffix '-leche', a variant of the Old English suffix '-lac' denoting an action or practice.
Examples
She has extensive knowledge of medieval history.
The project requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
To the best of my knowledge, the meeting is still scheduled for tomorrow.