Seeing vs. Knowing — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Seeing involves perceiving through the eyes, relying on visual information, while knowing is understanding or being aware of something through experience or learning.
Difference Between Seeing and Knowing
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Seeing is a sensory process where visual information is perceived through the eyes, enabling one to observe the physical world. Whereas knowing encompasses a broader spectrum of understanding, achieved through learning, experience, or intuition.
Seeing can be immediate, providing direct information about colors, shapes, and movements. On the other hand, knowing may develop over time, incorporating abstract and complex knowledge that isn't always directly observable.
While seeing is limited to visual perceptions, knowing includes facts, ideas, and skills that extend beyond what can be seen. For example, one can see a painting and recognize its colors and forms, whereas knowing about the painting involves understanding its historical context and artistic significance.
Seeing is inherently subjective, influenced by one's visual capacity and perspective. In contrast, knowing can be shared and verified through communication and evidence, making it potentially more objective.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The act of perceiving visual stimuli through the eyes.
The state of being aware of or familiar with information, facts, or principles.
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Sensory Basis
Relies solely on visual input.
Can be based on any sensory input, experience, or cognitive learning.
Immediate vs. Developed
Generally immediate as it happens in real-time when one observes something.
Often developed over time through education, experience, or reflection.
Limitations
Limited to what is physically present and visible.
Not limited by physical presence; includes theoretical or abstract knowledge.
Subjectivity/Objectivity
More subjective, influenced by visual perception and personal interpretation.
More objective, can be shared, discussed, and verified by others.
Compare with Definitions
Seeing
The ability to perceive with the eyes.
His seeing has worsened over the years.
Knowing
Informed of or privy to something.
Are you knowing to the latest developments?
Seeing
The act of noticing or observing visually.
Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time was breathtaking.
Knowing
Possessing knowledge, information, or understanding.
Knowing the basics of first aid is crucial.
Seeing
Visiting or attending an event or place.
We are seeing a play at the local theater tonight.
Knowing
Wise or shrewd by experience.
The knowing investor avoided common pitfalls.
Seeing
Considering or imagining a particular way.
I can't see the issue the way you do.
Knowing
Showing or characterized by understanding or awareness.
Her knowing smile suggested she had guessed the surprise.
Seeing
Understanding or interpreting something at first glance.
Seeing her expression, he knew she was upset.
Knowing
Intimately or fully acquainted with.
He is knowing about the city's hidden spots.
Seeing
Because; since
Seeing that I'm awake, I might as well come with you
Knowing
Possessing knowledge, information, or understanding
Very knowing about transportation costs.
Seeing
The action of seeing someone or something.
Knowing
Showing clever awareness and resourcefulness; shrewd and worldly
"Even so knowing a young ruffian as William Chaloner would have had no preparation for the shock of London" (Thomas Levenson).
Seeing
Inasmuch as; in view of the fact
Seeing that you're already at the door, I suppose I must invite you inside.
Knowing
Suggestive of secret or private knowledge
A knowing glance.
Seeing
The clarity of focus of an image in a telescope, measured by the angular size of a single star in that image.
Knowing
Deliberate; conscious
A knowing attempt to defraud.
Seeing
Present participle of see
Knowing
(Archaic) Fashionable; stylish
"Many young men ... drove about town in very knowing gigs" (Jane Austen).
Seeing
Having vision; not blind.
Knowing
Possessing knowledge or understanding; knowledgeable, intelligent.
Seeing
The action of the verb to see; eyesight.
Knowing
Deliberate, wilful.
Seeing
(astronomy) The movement or distortion of a telescopic image as a result of turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere.
Knowing
Shrewd or showing clever awareness; discerning.
A knowing rascal
Seeing
(slang) Inasmuch as; in view of the fact that.
Seeing the boss wasn't around, we took it easy.
Knowing
Demonstrating knowledge of what is in fashion; stylish, chic.
Seeing
In view of the fact (that); considering; taking into account (that); insmuch as; since; because; - followed by a dependent clause; as, he did well, seeing that he was so young.
Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me?
Knowing
The ability to know something without being taught.
Seeing
Perception by means of the eyes
Knowing
Suggestive of private knowledge or understanding.
Seeing
Normal use of the faculty of vision
Knowing
Given my knowledge about someone or something.
Knowing you, you would try not to be late for school.
Seeing
Having vision, not blind
Knowing
Present participle of know
Knowing
The act or condition of having knowledge.
Knowing
Skilful; well informed; intelligent; as, a knowing man; a knowing dog.
The knowing and intelligent part of the world.
Knowing
Artful; cunning; as, a knowing rascal.
Knowing
Knowledge; hence, experience.
This sore nightHath trifled former knowings.
Knowing
Clear and certain mental apprehension
Knowing
Evidencing the possession of inside information
Knowing
By conscious design or purpose;
Intentional damage
A knowing attempt to defraud
A willful waste of time
Knowing
Alert and fully informed;
Politically aware
A knowing collector of rare books
The most...technically aware of the novelists under thirty
Surprisingly knowledgeable about what was going on
Knowing
Highly educated; having extensive information or understanding;
An enlightened public
Knowing instructors
A knowledgeable critic
A knowledgeable audience
Common Curiosities
Can you know something without seeing it?
Yes, one can know things through other senses, study, or information without necessarily seeing them.
What does seeing rely on?
Seeing relies on visual perception through the eyes.
How is knowing different from seeing?
Knowing involves understanding and awareness that may not be dependent on visual stimuli and can include abstract or learned knowledge.
How does knowing affect decision making?
Knowing, through a comprehensive understanding and experience, often leads to more informed and rational decisions.
Is seeing always accurate?
No, seeing can be subjective and affected by various factors like light conditions and personal perceptions.
What role does seeing play in learning?
Seeing can play a significant role in visual learning styles, where visual cues enhance the ability to remember information.
Can knowing be shared?
Yes, knowing can be shared through communication, teaching, and written records.
Do seeing and knowing always complement each other?
While they can complement each other, seeing and knowing can also function independently; one may see something without fully knowing it, or know something without seeing it.
Is knowing always certain?
Knowing can be subject to change as new information or insights become available, so it may not always be certain.
Is there a limit to what one can see and know?
Yes, seeing is limited to visual range and conditions, and knowing is often limited by one's experiences, access to information, and cognitive capacities.
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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
