know what it is

verb
UK: /nəʊ wɒt ɪt ɪz/
US: /noʊ wʌt ɪt ɪz/

  1. To have an understanding or awareness of something.

    1. I know what it is, it is a big problem. [ ] [ ]
    2. She wanted to know what it is that made him so upset about the changes at work. [ ] [ ]

  2. To recognize or identify something or someone.

    1. Do you know what it is? It is a bird! [ ] [ ]
    2. Before you start using this machine, you need to know what it is for and how to operate it. [ ] [ ]

  3. To be familiar with a place, person or situation.

    1. I know what it is like to be in this situation. [ ] [ ]
    2. Having traveled extensively, I know what it is like to navigate unfamiliar cultures with limited resources. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

perceive comprehend grasp recognize understand
know what it is idiom

  1. Used to express certainty or confidence about something.

    1. I know what it is, he'll be late. [ ] [ ]
    2. I know what it is, with a little more practice, you will master this difficult piece of music. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "know what it is" in English means: To have an understanding or awareness of something., To recognize or identify something or someone., To be familiar with a place, person or situation..

The phonetic transcription of "know what it is" is /nəʊ wɒt ɪt ɪz/ in British English and /noʊ wʌt ɪt ɪz/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "know what it is": perceive, comprehend, grasp, recognize, understand.

Example usage of "know what it is": "I know what it is, it is a big problem.". More examples on the page.