The term “know” comes from the Old English word “cnawan,” which means “to know” or “to perceive.” Here’s a detailed chronological breakdown:
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “gnō-” or “ǵnō-” means “to know.”
2. Proto-Germanic
From the PIE root, the Proto-Germanic word “knēan” or “kunnan” developed, meaning “to know” or “to be able.”
3. Old English (c. 5th to 11th century CE)
The term “cnawan” in Old English was used to mean “to know,” “to perceive,” or “to recognize.”
4. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old English “cnawan” evolved into Middle English “knowen,” maintaining the meaning of “to know” or “to recognize.”
5. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “know” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, meaning “to be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information” or “to have knowledge of.”
The word “know” reflects the concept of having awareness, understanding, or familiarity with someone or something. It is a fundamental term in the English language, encompassing various aspects of cognition, perception, and recognition.