know of

IPA/nˈəʊ ɒv/
IPA/nˈoʊ ʌv/

know of — idiom

1. If you know of a person or thing, you have heard about them and know basic facts

1.idiomB1
Definition

If you know of a person or thing, you have heard about them and know basic facts, but you have usually not met or experienced them yourself.

Example

Inês knows of a good Thai restaurant near the station, but she has never eaten there.

know of + place — awareness without direct experience

Valentina had never met the director, though everyone in the department knew of the award-winning films.

knew of + someone's creative output — reputation without personal contact

Common collocations
  • know of someone
  • know of something
  • know of a place
  • know of a way
Synonyms
  • have heard of

    nearly identical; 'know of' can sound slightly more formal or deliberate

  • be aware of

    broader — can apply to facts and situations, not just people and things

  • know about

    implies deeper knowledge; 'know of' suggests only surface-level awareness

Grammar Patterns

know of + someone/something

Usage Note

Distinguish from 'know': 'know of' signals secondhand awareness or reputation, while 'know' implies direct familiarity or experience. Compare 'I know him' (personal acquaintance) with 'I know of him' (I have heard about him).

Common Mistakes

I know the restaurant' (when you have only read about it).
I know of the restaurant.
'know' suggests direct experience; 'know of' means secondhand awareness.

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

'Know of' and 'have heard of' are near synonyms, though 'know of' can feel slightly more deliberate in tone. 'Know about' goes further — it suggests you possess real information or understanding, not just awareness that something exists. If you 'know about' a restaurant, you likely know its menu and prices; if you merely 'know of' it, you have just heard the name. 'Be aware of' is broader still: it works for abstract facts ('be aware of the risks') where 'know of' would sound odd. Choose 'know of' when you want to stress that your knowledge is limited to existence or reputation.

have heard of ↗know aboutbe aware of

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Built on the Old English verb 'cnāwan' (to know), the combination 'know of' has been used since Middle English to express indirect or reported knowledge — knowing something exists without direct experience of it.