knowing

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know·ing / ˈnōing/ • adj. showing or suggesting that one has knowledge or awareness that is secret or known to only a few people: a knowing smile. ∎ chiefly derog. experienced or shrewd, esp. excessively or prematurely so: today's society is too knowing, too corrupt. ∎  done in full awareness or consciousness: a knowing breach of the order by the appellants.• n. the state of being aware or informed.DERIVATIVES: know·ing·ly adv.know·ing·ness n.

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