Known vs. Unknown — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Known refers to something familiar or understood, while unknown denotes something mysterious or not understood.
Difference Between Known and Unknown
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Known items or facts are characterized by being recognized, verified, or familiar to someone's understanding, whereas unknowns remain obscure or undiscovered, creating a barrier to full comprehension.
In scientific research, known variables are those that can be quantified and controlled, while unknown variables represent elements that cannot be predicted and often require further investigation to understand.
In everyday language, when something is known, it means there is specific information about it that is accessible and agreed upon, on the other hand, something unknown lacks clear or available information.
In the context of personal experiences, known often refers to situations or environments that are comfortable and predictable, whereas unknown situations bring a sense of uncertainty and potential risk.
Known historical events are those that have been documented and studied extensively, providing a clear view of their causes and effects; unknown historical events, by contrast, have left little trace and often lead to speculation and differing interpretations.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Recognized or understood
Not recognized or understood
Information status
Information is available and clear
Information is lacking or unclear
Predictability
High due to familiarity and data
Low due to lack of information
Emotional response
Often comfort due to familiarity
Often discomfort due to uncertainty
Usage in language
Used to describe familiar facts
Used to describe mysteries or new concepts
Compare with Definitions
Known
Verified or established.
The known effects of the drug are well documented.
Unknown
Unexplored or not investigated.
They entered unknown territory on their hike.
Known
Informed or aware.
They were known to the authorities as troublemakers.
Unknown
Not known. unidentified.
The unknown chemical posed a risk.
Known
Familiar through experience.
She spoke on topics known to her audience.
Unknown
Beyond the realm of current understanding.
Space remains largely unknown.
Known
Recognized as familiar.
He moved with ease in a known environment.
Unknown
Not established or verified.
The effects of the new policy are unknown.
Known
Acknowledged or accepted.
The known painter was celebrated in his community.
Unknown
Mysterious or uncertain.
An unknown caller keeps ringing at odd hours.
Known
Past participle of know
Unknown
Not known; unfamiliar
A problem unknown in earlier times.
Known
Recognized, familiar, or within the scope of knowledge
The known world
Plants little known to western science
Unknown
Not identified, ascertained, or established
Received flowers from an unknown admirer.
Known
Past participle of know.
Unknown
Not well known or widely known
An unknown artist.
Known
Proved or generally recognized
The only known case.
A known authority.
Unknown
That which is unknown
Investigating the unknown.
Known
Something that is known
In this instance, the only known is our actual profit margin.
Unknown
Something that is not known
This case has many unknowns.
Known
Identified as a specific type; famous, renowned.
He was a known pickpocket.
Unknown
A person who is not well known, as to the general public
Cast an unknown in the starring role.
Known
Accepted, familiar, researched.
Unknown
An unknown person, especially an Unknown Soldier
The tomb of the unknowns.
Known
Any fact or situation which is known or familiar.
You have to tell the knowns from the unknowns.
Unknown
(Mathematics) A quantity of unknown numerical value.
Known
(algebra) A constant or variable the value of which is already determined.
Unknown
Not known; unidentified; not well known.
Known
Inflection of know
Unknown
(algebra) A variable (usually x, y or z) whose value is to be found.
Known
Of Know.
Unknown
Any thing, place, or situation about which nothing is known; an unknown fact or piece of information.
Known
Apprehended with certainty;
A known quantity
The limits of the known world
A musician known throughout the world
A known criminal
Unknown
A person of no identity; a nonentity
Unknown
Past participle of unknow
Unknown
Not known; not apprehended.
Unknown
An unknown and unexplored region;
They came like angels out the unknown
Unknown
Anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
Unknown
A variable whose values are solutions of an equation
Unknown
Not known;
An unknown amount
An unknown island
An unknown writer
An unknown source
Unknown
Being or having an unknown or unnamed source;
A poem by an unknown author
Corporations responsible to nameless owners
An unnamed donor
Unknown
Not known to exist;
Things obscurely felt surged up from unsuspected depths in her
Unknown
Not famous or acclaimed;
An obscure family
Unsung heroes of the war
Unknown
Not known before;
Used many strange words
Saw many strange faces in the crowd
Don't let anyone unknown into the house
Common Curiosities
How does "unknown" affect learning?
Unknown factors can complicate learning by introducing uncertainty but also drive curiosity and investigation.
Can known become unknown?
Yes, previously known information can become unknown if it is forgotten or new evidence contradicts it.
Is it possible for something to be unknown to one person but known to another?
Absolutely, as knowledge can vary widely between individuals based on their experiences and access to information.
What role does the unknown play in discovery?
The unknown often serves as a catalyst for exploration and scientific breakthroughs.
How do scientists deal with unknown variables?
Scientists often try to control known variables and investigate unknown variables through further experimentation.
What is the relationship between fear and the unknown?
Fear is commonly associated with the unknown due to the human tendency to feel anxiety towards uncertain and unfamiliar situations.
What does it mean when something is known?
Something is known when it is recognized, verified, or familiar based on information or experience.
How do we handle unknown outcomes in decision-making?
Handling unknown outcomes often involves preparing for multiple scenarios and embracing flexibility.
What psychological effects can dealing with the unknown have?
Dealing with the unknown can induce stress, anxiety, but also excitement and a sense of adventure.
What is the impact of unknown risks?
Unknown risks can lead to unexpected challenges and require a cautious approach to mitigate potential negative effects.
How can we convert an unknown into a known?
Through research, observation, and gathering of information, unknown aspects can be understood and classified as known.
Why is documentation important for converting unknowns to knowns?
Documentation helps to systematically collect and verify information, making it accessible and converting unknowns to knowns.
How does technology help in exploring unknowns?
Technology provides tools and methods to analyze, explore, and understand areas that were previously inaccessible or misunderstood.
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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
Maham Liaqat
