Think vs. Know: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 6, 2023
To think is to consider or believe something; to know is to have a confirmed understanding or awareness.
Key Differences
Thinking is a cognitive process in which ideas or solutions are formed, considered, or believed without certainty. It is the act of contemplating or reasoning about something that may or may not be well-founded. Knowing, on the other hand, involves a level of certainty and conviction that comes from experience, education, or evidence. Knowledge is generally factual and verifiable, while thoughts can be speculative or based on opinion.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
When someone says they think something, they are expressing a belief or opinion that they hold. It does not necessarily imply that they have evidence or are sure about it. To know something, however, is to have established information about it and to hold it as true. Knowledge typically requires some level of proof or experience, whereas thinking does not.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
The process of thinking can lead to knowledge when the ideas or beliefs are confirmed through learning, research, or experience. Until then, thoughts are tentative, and they do not have the same weight as knowledge. Knowing is definitive and carries a sense of authority that thinking does not. For example, someone might think it will rain tomorrow based on the weather, but they can know the time of sunset if they look it up.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
One can think about various scenarios or possibilities, and this can encompass imagination, guesswork, and hypothesizing. Knowing is more constrained by reality; one cannot know something that is false or unverified. Therefore, thinking is a precursor to knowledge but is not synonymous with it.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Thinking can change frequently as new information is presented or as one reflects further, but knowledge, particularly of established facts, is less volatile. What one knows to be true remains relatively stable over time. Both thinking and knowing are essential to the human experience, facilitating our ability to understand and interact with the world.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To form opinions or beliefs
To have facts or information; to be certain of
Huma Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Expression
"I think we should leave early."
"I know the meeting starts at 9 AM."
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
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Grammar
Often used with conditional clauses
Used to express possession of information
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Type of Process
Cognitive reasoning or contemplating
Cognitive recognition of facts or truths
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Think and Know Definitions
Think
Use one's mind actively to form connected ideas.
She thinks deeply about social issues.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Know
Be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information.
I know the answer to the question.
Huma Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
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Know
Have developed a relationship with (someone) through meeting and spending time with them.
She knows her classmates well.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Think
Recall or remember (something).
Do you think what I told you last week?
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Know
Be absolutely certain or sure about something.
I know that I left my keys on the table.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Know
Be familiar or acquainted with (something).
She knows the rules of the game.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Think
To have or formulate in the mind
Think the happiest thought you can think.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 20, 2022
Think
To reason about or reflect on; ponder
Think how complex language is. Think the matter through.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 20, 2022
Know
To have a practical understanding of, as through experience; be skilled in
Knows how to cook.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 20, 2022
FAQs
Can thinking lead to knowing?
Yes, through gathering evidence and verification, thinking can transition into knowing.
Huma Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Is knowing always 100% certain?
Knowledge is generally certain, but new evidence can sometimes revise what is known.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Does everyone think the same way?
No, thinking is influenced by individual perspectives and experiences.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Can one know something without thinking?
Basic knowledge can be instinctual or memorized without active thinking.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
What does it mean to think critically?
To engage in reflective and independent thinking, assessing information or arguments.
Huma Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
How does education affect what we know?
Education provides information and frameworks that shape and expand our knowledge base.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Can we control what we think?
To some extent, we can direct our focus and choose our attitudes.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
What's the difference between a thought and a fact?
A thought is an idea or opinion, while a fact is a statement that is true and verifiable.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Do thoughts influence feelings?
Yes, thoughts can significantly influence one’s emotions.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Is all knowledge derived from thinking?
Not all; some knowledge is intuitive or experiential.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
What does 'think aloud' mean?
It means to say what one is thinking, often to clarify thought processes.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Is it possible to think without language?
Yes, thoughts can be visual or emotional rather than verbal.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Is there a limit to what one can know?
Human knowledge is vast, but individually, cognitive and experiential limits exist.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Does knowing require education?
Not necessarily; it can also come from personal experience.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Can knowledge be intuitive?
Yes, some knowledge is intuitive, coming from instinct rather than conscious reasoning.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
How does thinking affect decision-making?
Good thinking can lead to more informed and better decisions.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
How do we improve our thinking?
By engaging in varied intellectual activities and challenging our assumptions.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Can knowledge become outdated?
Yes, as new discoveries are made, what was once known can be updated or replaced.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Does everyone know the same things?
No, knowledge varies based on individual experiences and learning.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
How do we know what we think is true?
Through reasoning, evidence, and sometimes confirmation by others.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
