different between unknown vs known

English

Etymology

From un- +? known, past participle of know. Compare Old English ungecnawen.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?n?n??n/
• (US) enPR: ?n-n?n?, IPA^(key): /?n?no?n/

Adjective

unknown (comparative more unknown, superlative most unknown)

1. (sometimes postpositive) Not known; unidentified; not well known.

   Synonyms: anonymous, unfamiliar, uncharted, undiscovered, unexplored, unidentified, unnamed, unrecognized, unrevealed, unascertained, obscure, unsung

   Antonyms: well-known, famous, known

Derived terms

• unknown quantity

Translations

Noun

unknown (plural unknowns)

1. (algebra) A variable (usually x, y or z) whose value is to be found.
2. Any thing, place, or situation about which nothing is known; an unknown fact or piece of information.
3. A person of no identity; a nonentity
   • 1965, Bob Dylan, "Like a Rolling Stone"

     How does it feel

     To be on your own

     With no direction home

     Like a complete unknown

     Like a rolling stone?

Translations

Verb

unknown

1. past participle of unknow

English

Etymology

From Middle English knowen, from Old English cn?wen (past participle).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /n??n/
• (General American) enPR: n?n, IPA^(key): /no?n/
• Homophones: none, noone (Australia, New Zealand, some dialects)

Adjective

known (comparative better known, superlative best known)

1. Identified as a specific type; famous, renowned.

   Antonym: unknown
2. Accepted, familiar, researched.

   Antonym: unknown

Alternative forms

• knowne (obsolete)

Hyponyms

Translations

Noun

known (plural knowns)

1. Any fact or situation which is known or familiar.

   You have to tell the knowns from the unknowns.

   • 2012, Thomas Dougherty, Antibiotic Discovery and Development (volume 1, page 39)

     The biological dereplication tool may identify major knowns in a mixture, but it may miss novel minor components.

2. (algebra) A constant or variable the value of which is already determined.

Verb

known

1. past participle of know