Knowing

as 'action to ability'

Morphological Analysis

• Etymon: 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 enables:

• Precise connection between knowledge and capability
• Eliminates passive 'information storage' connotations
• Aligns with power-knowledge philosophical tradition

Related Terms

• Consciousness
• Objective
• Power
• Realizing
• Subjective

Sources

• Wiktionary

This definition follows morphological essentialism principles. See [[Methodology]] for details.