Known Meaning
Known Definition & Usage
Familiar or recognized by many people, often due to a significant amount of exposure or reputation.
Examples
- "She is a well-known scientist in the field of genetics."
- "The author’s books have become known worldwide."
- "This painting is known to be one of the finest examples of Renaissance art."
- "The song became known as an anthem of the 1960s."
- "He’s the known leader of the local community group."
Accepted or acknowledged as true or correct, without any significant opposition or doubt.
Examples
- "It is a known fact that the Earth orbits the Sun."
- "This issue is known to be problematic, but solutions are still being discussed."
- "The teacher’s known method of teaching has proven very effective."
- "It’s a known truth that good communication is key to a healthy relationship."
- "The disease is known to be contagious, so precautions are essential."
Acknowledged or discovered previously, as in something that has been learned or realized.
Examples
- "I have known her for years."
- "He has known about the problem since last week."
- "They have known each other since childhood."
- "We had known the outcome before it was officially announced."
- "The truth was known to everyone, but no one dared to speak it."
Cultural Context
The word 'known' has roots in Old English, from the verb 'cunnan' meaning 'to know'. Over time, it has evolved to refer not only to familiarity but also to acknowledged facts or recognized individuals. It plays a crucial role in both everyday conversations and formal contexts, especially when discussing knowledge, recognition, or established facts.
The Known Path
Story
The Known Path
In the small town of Hollowbrook, Emily had always felt a little out of place. The town was known for its close-knit community and its centuries-old traditions. As a newcomer, she often felt like an outsider, especially when people referred to the 'known path' — a well-trodden trail through the woods that every resident seemed to understand. Emily had heard whispers about this trail for months, but she had never ventured on it herself. One crisp autumn morning, she decided to change that. As she walked down the familiar streets, the houses and shops known to her from her daily walks seemed almost to greet her. The path was not far from the heart of the town, and as she stepped onto it, she noticed something peculiar — the trees seemed to part as if to allow her passage, and the soft rustle of leaves underfoot was soothing. It wasn’t long before Emily encountered a man sitting by the trail. He was a local, well-known for his stories about the town’s history. “Ah, I see you’ve decided to walk the known path,” he said with a grin. “It’s the way most people here go when they want to find answers.” “Answers?” Emily asked, intrigued. “Answers about the past,” he explained. “It’s said that those who walk this path will gain knowledge about their own lives. Things that are known to the town, but not to you.” As Emily continued her walk, she reflected on the idea of knowledge and recognition. The path, though physically the same for everyone, held different meanings for those who walked it. For some, it was a way to learn about the town's history; for others, it was a path to self-discovery. By the end of the day, Emily didn’t find what she had expected, but she had learned something even more important — the value of walking one’s own journey, even if it was not the ‘known’ one. The next day, Emily was no longer a stranger in Hollowbrook. She had become part of the community, her name slowly becoming known as she joined in with the town’s daily rhythms. The known path had shown her that sometimes, the most important thing is not to follow in the footsteps of others, but to find your own way forward.
Related Words
