01 n. The act or state of knowing; clear perception of fact, truth, or duty; certain apprehension; familiar cognizance; cognition.
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1.
The act or state of knowing; clear perception of fact, truth, or duty; certain apprehension; familiar cognizance; cognition.“Knowledge, which is the highest degree of the speculative faculties, consists in the perception of the truth of affirmative or negative propositions.” — Locke.
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2.
That which is or may be known; the object of an act of knowing; a cognition; -- chiefly used in the plural.“There is a great difference in the delivery of the mathematics, which are the most abstracted of knowledges.” — Bacon.“Knowledges is a term in frequent use by Bacon, and, though now obsolete, should be revived, as without it we are compelled to borrow “cognitions” to express its import.” — Sir W. Hamilton.“To use a word of Bacon's, now unfortunately obsolete, we must determine the relative value of knowledges.” — H. Spencer.
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3.
That which is gained and preserved by knowing; instruction; acquaintance; enlightenment; learning; scholarship; erudition.“Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” — 1 Cor. viii. 1.“Ignorance is the curse of God; Knowledge, the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.” — Shak.
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4.
That familiarity which is gained by actual experience; practical skill; as, a knowledge of life.“Shipmen that had knowledge of the sea.” — 1 Kings ix. 27.
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5.
Scope of information; cognizance; notice; as, it has not come to my knowledge.“Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldst take knowledge of me?” — Ruth ii. 10.
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6.
Sexual intercourse; -- usually preceded by carnal; same as carnal knowledge.
Syn.
See Wisdom.