English · Common Verbs
knew
/njuː/
[/njuː/]
past tense of know
Beginnerverb
Definition
Past tense of 'know': to have had information or been aware of something.
Example
I knew the answer immediately because we had studied that exact topic the week before.
I knew the answer immediately because we had studied that exact topic the week before.
Etymology
From Old English 'cnēow', past tense of 'cnāwan' (to know).
How & Where It’s Used
Used for awareness or knowledge held in the past; the 'k' is silent.