What does knowingly mean?
Knowingly is an adverb meaning intentionally and with awareness. It describes an action that a person chooses to perform, rather than one resulting from accident, mistake, or lack of understanding. The word is especially common in legal, journalistic, and formal discussion because it highlights responsibility: a person who acts knowingly is not merely doing something, but is aware of the facts and likely consequences. For example, a speaker who knowingly makes a false statement is deliberately presenting inaccurate information, unlike a speaker who gives a false statement by mistake. Knowingly can strengthen an accusation, a legal finding, or a description of misconduct, so it often carries a negative or serious connotation. In less formal contexts, it is useful when the distinction between conscious intention and accidental behavior matters.
adverbDeliberately and with full awareness of the consequences or implications. It often implies that a person is consciously choosing a particular course of action, especially when the action is improper or harmful.
- Intentionally and with awareness of what one is doing or of the likely consequences.
"The employee knowingly ignored the safety instructions before operating the machinery."
"She knowingly gave false information to the investigators."
"Drivers who knowingly exceed the speed limit may receive a substantially larger fine."
Knowingly is the word that turns an action from a mistake into a conscious choice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of knowingly
Knowingly was formed in English by adding the suffix -ly to the present participle knowing, with the result meaning “in a knowing manner.” It belongs to the English word family of know, known, and knowledge, which trace to Old English cnāwan and ultimately to a Germanic root associated with recognizing or becoming aware. The adverb has long been used in legal and general English to describe conduct performed with awareness and intention.
How knowingly is actually used
Knowingly is often used in legal and formal contexts, particularly when describing conduct that is intentional and may involve wrongdoing. It is more emphatic than simply 'intentionally' because it emphasizes awareness as well as purpose.
Easily confused with knowingly
Knowing can mean being aware of something or having a particular outlook, whereas knowingly is an adverb describing an action performed with awareness and intention.
Deliberate is an adjective meaning carefully planned or intentionally done, while knowingly is an adverb indicating that the person is aware of what they are doing.