Knowledge vs. Skill — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 16, 2024
Knowledge is understanding of or information about a subject, while skill is the ability to do something well, often developed through practice.
Difference Between Knowledge and Skill
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Knowledge refers to the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject, acquired through education, research, or experience. It encompasses facts, information, and principles related to a specific field or topic. Skills, on the other hand, are developed abilities or proficiencies in performing tasks, often honed through practice and experience. They represent the application of knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios.
While knowledge is often about 'knowing' (cognitive understanding), skill is about 'doing' (practical application). For example, one might have knowledge about the principles of riding a bicycle, understanding balance, pedaling, and steering. However, possessing the skill to ride a bicycle involves the ability to apply this knowledge effectively and coordinate physical movements.
Knowledge can be theoretical or conceptual, and it is often communicated through language, texts, and symbols. Skills, however, are demonstrated through action and are sometimes more difficult to quantify or articulate. They may include physical tasks, as well as interpersonal and cognitive abilities.
The acquisition of knowledge and skills also differs. Knowledge is typically gained through study, observation, and learning, and can be easily shared and transmitted. Skills are acquired through practice, repetition, and experience, and their mastery often requires hands-on application and continuous improvement.
Both knowledge and skills are essential for personal and professional development. Knowledge provides the foundation for understanding concepts and theories, while skills allow individuals to apply this understanding in practical, effective ways. Together, they enable problem-solving, innovation, and proficiency in various domains.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Theoretical understanding
Practical ability
Focus
"Knowing"
"Doing"
Communication
Through language and symbols
Demonstrated through action
Acquisition
Study, observation, learning
Practice, repetition, experience
Application
Understanding concepts and theories
Performing tasks effectively
Compare with Definitions
Knowledge
Gained via education, reading, or listening.
Attending a history lecture increases one's knowledge of past events.
Skill
The capacity to perform tasks effectively.
Skill in woodworking enables crafting fine furniture.
Knowledge
Involves grasping concepts, facts, and principles.
Knowing the rules of chess is essential to strategize.
Skill
Mastery comes with hands-on experience.
Regular practice is key to mastering a language.
Knowledge
Primarily resides in the mind as information or understanding.
Understanding how a car engine works involves cognitive knowledge.
Skill
Can involve bodily coordination or mental prowess.
Playing soccer well requires both physical and strategic skills.
Knowledge
Can be easily communicated and shared with others.
Sharing knowledge about environmental issues can raise awareness.
Skill
Evident in the execution of tasks.
A skilled chef demonstrates their ability through their cooking.
Knowledge
Provides the theoretical basis for developing skills.
Knowing musical theory is foundational to playing an instrument.
Skill
Skills can always be refined and enhanced.
Continuous training can elevate an athlete's performance.
Knowledge
Knowledge is a familiarity, awareness, or understanding of someone or something, such as facts (descriptive knowledge), skills (procedural knowledge), or objects (acquaintance knowledge). By most accounts, knowledge can be acquired in many different ways and from many sources, including but not limited to perception, reason, memory, testimony, scientific inquiry, education, and practice.
Skill
A skill is the learned ability to perform an action with determined results with good execution often within a given amount of time, energy, or both. Skills can often be divided into domain-general and domain-specific skills.
Knowledge
Facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject
A thirst for knowledge
Her considerable knowledge of antiques
Skill
Proficiency, facility, or dexterity that is acquired or developed through training or experience
Painted with great skill.
Knowledge
Awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation
The programme had been developed without his knowledge
He denied all knowledge of the incidents
Skill
A developed talent or ability
Improved his writing skills.
Knowledge
The state or fact of knowing
Humans naturally aspire to knowledge.
Skill
An art, trade, or technique, particularly one requiring use of the hands or body
The skill of glassmaking.
Knowledge
Familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through experience or study
Has great knowledge of these parts.
Has only limited knowledge of chemistry.
Skill
(Obsolete) A reason; a cause.
Knowledge
The sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned
The extraordinary knowledge housed in the library.
Skill
Capacity to do something well; technique, ability. Skills are usually acquired or learned, as opposed to abilities, which are often thought of as innate.
Where did you pick up that skill?
With great skill, she navigated through the tricky passage.
Doing that coaching course not only taught me useful skills on the field, but also some important life skills.
Knowledge
(Archaic) Carnal knowledge.
Skill
(obsolete) Discrimination; judgment; propriety; reason; cause.
Knowledge
The fact of knowing about something; general understanding or familiarity with a subject, place, situation etc.
His knowledge of Iceland was limited to what he'd seen on the Travel Channel.
Skill
(obsolete) Knowledge; understanding.
Knowledge
Awareness of a particular fact or situation; a state of having been informed or made aware of something.
Skill
(obsolete) Display of art; exercise of ability; contrivance; address.
Knowledge
Intellectual understanding; the state of appreciating truth or information.
Knowledge consists in recognizing the difference between good and bad decisions.
Skill
Great, excellent.
Knowledge
Familiarity or understanding of a particular skill, branch of learning etc.
Does your friend have any knowledge of hieroglyphs, perchance?
A secretary should have a good knowledge of shorthand.
Skill
(transitive) To set apart; separate.
Knowledge
(obsolete) Information or intelligence about something; notice.
Skill
To discern; have knowledge or understanding; to know how (to).
Knowledge
The total of what is known; all information and products of learning.
His library contained the accumulated knowledge of the Greeks and Romans.
Skill
To know; to understand.
Knowledge
(countable) Something that can be known; a branch of learning; a piece of information; a science.
Skill
(intransitive) To have knowledge or comprehension; discern.
Knowledge
(obsolete) Acknowledgement.
Skill
(intransitive) To have personal or practical knowledge; be versed or practised; be expert or dextrous.
Knowledge
(obsolete) Notice, awareness.
Skill
To make a difference; signify; matter.
Knowledge
The deep familiarity with certain routes and places of interest required by taxicab drivers working in London, England.
Skill
(video games) To spend acquired points in exchange for skills.
Knowledge
(obsolete) To confess as true; to acknowledge.
Skill
Discrimination; judgment; propriety; reason; cause.
For great skill is, he prove that he wrought.
Knowledge
The act or state of knowing; clear perception of fact, truth, or duty; certain apprehension; familiar cognizance; cognition.
Knowledge, which is the highest degree of the speculative faculties, consists in the perception of the truth of affirmative or negative propositions.
Skill
Knowledge; understanding.
That by his fellowship he color mightBoth his estate and love from skill of any wight.
Nor want we skill or art.
Knowledge
That which is or may be known; the object of an act of knowing; a cognition; - chiefly used in the plural.
There is a great difference in the delivery of the mathematics, which are the most abstracted of knowledges.
Knowledges is a term in frequent use by Bacon, and, though now obsolete, should be revived, as without it we are compelled to borrow "cognitions" to express its import.
To use a word of Bacon's, now unfortunately obsolete, we must determine the relative value of knowledges.
Skill
The familiar knowledge of any art or science, united with readiness and dexterity in execution or performance, or in the application of the art or science to practical purposes; power to discern and execute; ability to perceive and perform; expertness; aptitude; as, the skill of a mathematician, physician, surgeon, mechanic, etc.
Phocion, . . . by his great wisdom and skill at negotiations, diverted Alexander from the conquest of Athens.
Where patience her sweet skill imparts.
Knowledge
That which is gained and preserved by knowing; instruction; acquaintance; enlightenment; learning; scholarship; erudition.
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Ignorance is the curse of God;Knowledge, the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.
Skill
Display of art; exercise of ability; contrivance; address.
Richard . . . by a thousand princely skills, gathering so much corn as if he meant not to return.
Knowledge
That familiarity which is gained by actual experience; practical skill; as, a knowledge of life.
Shipmen that had knowledge of the sea.
Skill
Any particular art.
Learned in one skill, and in another kind of learning unskillful.
Knowledge
Scope of information; cognizance; notice; as, it has not come to my knowledge.
Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldst take knowledge of me?
Skill
To know; to understand.
To skill the arts of expressing our mind.
Knowledge
To acknowledge.
Skill
To be knowing; to have understanding; to be dexterous in performance.
I can not skill of these thy ways.
Knowledge
The psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
Skill
To make a difference; to signify; to matter; - used impersonally.
What skills it, if a bag of stones or goldAbout thy neck do drown thee?
It skills not talking of it.
Skill
An ability that has been acquired by training
Skill
Ability to produce solutions in some problem domain;
The skill of a well-trained boxer
The sweet science of pugilism
Common Curiosities
Can you have skills without knowledge?
Skills generally require some level of knowledge, though basic skills might be developed through imitation without deep understanding.
How can knowledge be turned into skill?
Through practice and application, theoretical knowledge can be transformed into practical skills.
Are skills always physical?
No, skills can also be cognitive or interpersonal, like problem-solving or effective communication.
Is knowledge more important than skill?
Both are important; knowledge provides the foundation, while skill enables practical application.
How are skills assessed?
Skills are typically assessed through performance, observing the individual carrying out a task.
Can skills become outdated?
Yes, as technology and methods evolve, certain skills may become less relevant or require updating.
How does one improve a skill?
Through deliberate practice, feedback, and continuous learning, skills can be improved.
Can skills be taught online?
Yes, many skills, especially cognitive and some physical skills, can be taught and refined online, though some may require in-person practice.
Is it easier to acquire knowledge or skills?
It depends on the individual and the context; some may find learning new information easier, while others excel at developing practical skills.
Can knowledge be implicit?
Yes, some knowledge is tacit, meaning it's understood or learned through experience rather than explicitly taught.
Is reading a skill or knowledge?
Reading involves both skill (the ability to decode text) and knowledge (understanding what the text means).
How is knowledge assessed?
Knowledge is often assessed through tests, quizzes, or discussions that evaluate understanding.
Are soft skills considered true skills?
Yes, soft skills like teamwork and communication are crucial skills in many contexts.
How does experience relate to knowledge and skills?
Experience contributes to both by deepening understanding (knowledge) and refining the ability to apply that understanding effectively (skills).
Do skills always require talent?
While talent can facilitate skill acquisition, many skills can be developed through effort and practice regardless of innate talent.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
