Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1300-1400
Origin: knowledge 'to acknowledge' (13-18 centuries), from know

knowledge

 noun
     
knowl‧edge S2 W1 [uncountable]
1 the information, skills, and understanding that you have gained through learning or experienceCOLLOCATIONS COLLOCATIONS
have knowledge acquire/gain knowledge (=learn something) technical/scientific knowledge in-depth knowledge detailed knowledge specialist knowledge (=knowledge about a particular subject) first-hand/personal knowledge (=knowledge from experiencing something for yourself) background knowledge (=knowledge you need to understand or do something) general knowledge (=knowledge about a lot of different subjects) a thirst for knowledge (=when you want very much to learn things)
You need specialist knowledge to do this job.
knowledge of
His knowledge of ancient civilizations is unrivalled.
knowledge about
the need to increase knowledge about birth control
He did not have much knowledge of American history.
salesmen with good technical knowledge of what they are selling
An in-depth knowledge of accounting is not necessary as training will be given.
The equipment is complex and requires specialist knowledge to be repaired.
The year studying in the US gives students personal knowledge of American culture.
someone with a background knowledge of engineering
! Do not say that you 'learn knowledge' or 'get knowledge'. Say that you learn a lot or learn a great deal: You can learn a lot through travel.
2 when you know about a particular situation or event, or the information you have about it:
Evans denied all knowledge of the robbery.
I had no knowledge of this whatsoever until The Times contacted me.
(secure/safe) in the knowledge that
Kay smiled, secure in the knowledge that she was right.
be common/public knowledge (=be known about by everyone)
Their affair is public knowledge.
to (the best of) somebody's knowledge (=used to say that someone may not know the true facts)
To the best of my knowledge the new project will be starting in June.
To our knowledge, this is the first time it's happened.
'Is it true that she's leaving the company?' ' Not to my knowledge (=I do not think so).'
without somebody's knowledge
He was annoyed to find the contract had been signed without his knowledge.
She acted with the full knowledge of her boss (=her boss knew about her action).
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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