Suppose when you hear the statement ‘Do you have an understanding about the concept?’ or ‘Did you have any knowledge about it?’ what do you think? Do both statements mean the same thing? Most people think they mean the same thing, but that’s not true. Both these words have entirely different meanings. The article will make sure that students understand the difference between these terms and do not use them in the wrong contexts in the future.
Not only these terms but there are plenty of words present in the English Language which students find hard to understand and cannot use appropriately according to the contexts. So it’s advisable that when students are using such easily confusing words, they look up whether those words are synonyms or not or those can be used interchangeably or not. Once they figure this out, it will be easy for them to use those words in sentences correctly. This article will walk students through the following points that will help them understand the difference between the words ‘knowledge’ and ‘understanding’.
- Table Summarising the Difference between Knowledge and Understanding
- The Difference between Knowledge and Understanding – Meanings
- Examples of Knowledge and Understanding
- Knowledge and Understanding – Conclusion
Table Summarising the Difference between Knowledge and Understanding
| Meaning | The word knowledge refers to skills/information/facts that one gathers through education or experience. | The word understanding refers to the ability of someone to understand something. |
| Usage | It is used as Noun. | It is used as Noun and Adjective. |
| Example | John always had an eagerness for knowledge. | Do you have a basic understanding of equations? |
This table shows that ‘knowledge’ and ‘understanding’ can’t be treated as synonymous and also, cannot be used interchangeably. Students who previously got confused while using these words can now use them correctly in sentences. Once students get familiar with this, it becomes easy for them to use.
The Difference between Knowledge and Understanding – Meanings
If you survey whether the words ‘knowledge’ and ‘understanding’ are the same or not. You will be surprised to know that most people think they are the same. On the contrary, these two terms have entirely different meanings. The word ‘knowledge’ refers to the facts/skills/information that one gathers or acquires through education or experience. The word ‘knowledge’ is used as a noun, for example, ‘Sheldon had prior knowledge concerning Newton’s Laws of Motion’, whereas the word ‘understanding’, when used as a noun, refers to the ability of someone to grasp something. Additionally, when ‘understanding’ is used as an adjective, it means someone has the ability to empathise with someone. Once students understand this difference, it will be easier for them to use these words in sentences without making any mistakes.
Examples of Knowledge and Understanding
The following examples will help students understand the words ‘knowledge’ and ‘understanding’:
Understanding – i) Mr Patrick was able to provide basic understanding to students about addition and subtraction. (noun)
ii) Mrs. Peterson is a very understanding young lady. (adjective)
Knowledge – Steve didn’t have any prior knowledge about the work, yet he performed well. (noun)
Once students understand the difference between the words ‘knowledge’ and ‘understanding’, they can easily apply them in proper contexts in the future.
Knowledge and Understanding – Conclusion
In conclusion, the words ‘knowledge’ and ‘understanding’ aren’t synonymous and can’t be used interchangeably. This article points out the difference between these two commonly confused words and helps students to use them correctly. BYJU’S offers various articles on the differences between two words that people are often confused with.
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