Know-It-All

B2 8+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /noʊ ɪt ɔːl/

Definitions of know-it-all

noun a person who acts as though they know everything and is often annoyingly boastful about it

Example Sentences

A1 My little brother always acts like a know-it-all.

A2 She can be a bit of a know-it-all when it comes to history trivia.

B1 The new intern is a know-it-all and it's starting to annoy the team.

B2 I used to be a know-it-all in my younger days, but I've learned to listen more.

C1 His reputation as a know-it-all precedes him wherever he goes.

C2 The professor's know-it-all attitude often alienates his students.

Examples of know-it-all in a Sentence

formal The professor was often perceived as a know-it-all due to his extensive knowledge in the subject.

informal My coworker is such a know-it-all, always correcting everyone during meetings.

slang Don't be such a know-it-all, no one likes a show-off.

figurative She acted like a know-it-all when it came to fashion, always giving unsolicited advice to others.

Grammatical Forms of know-it-all

past tense

knew-it-alls

plural

know-it-alls

comparative

more know-it-all

superlative

most know-it-all

present tense

know-it-all

future tense

will know-it-all

perfect tense

have known-it-all

continuous tense

is knowing-it-all

singular

know-it-all

positive degree

know-it-all

infinitive

to know-it-all

gerund

know-it-all

participle

knowing-it-all

Origin and Evolution of know-it-all

First Known Use: 1880 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'know-it-all' originated as a colloquial expression used to describe someone who behaves as if they know everything or is overly confident in their knowledge.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'know-it-all' has retained its original meaning but has also taken on a slightly negative connotation, often used to describe someone who is arrogant or condescending in their knowledge.