Knowing

as 'action to ability'

Morphological analysis

• Etymon: From Old English via Old Norse cunnan/kna: 'can' (to be able)
• Morpheme breakdown: know + -ing → 'action to know'
• Functional cognate: can: 'ability'

Essential definition

The English word knowing derives from Old English cunnan, related to Old Norse kna meaning 'can'. Combined with suffix -ing: 'action to', knowing is defined as 'action to ability'.

Semantic context

• Conventional sense: having information or understanding; being aware (Note: Semantic drift from essential meaning)
• Essential meaning (my usage): action to ability

Philosophical significance

Connects knowledge directly to capability/power. In my system, knowing is not passive information but active ability, aligning with Scots ken meaning both 'know' and 'can' and thus a close cognate of realize.

Usage in this lexicon

When I use the word knowing in my work, I mean exactly 'action to ability'. This definition:

• establishes a precise connection between knowledge and capability;
• eliminates passive 'information storage' connotations;
• aligns with the power-knowledge philosophical tradition.

Related Terms

• Consciousness
• Objective
• Power
• Subjective

Sources

• Wiktionary

*This definition follows morphological essentialism principles. See the Methodology for details.