knowingly

Knowingly is an adverb that describes an action done with knowledge or awareness of a fact or circumstance. It signals that the actor is not acting by accident or mistake, but with conscious recognition of what is true.

It is used in both everyday language and more formal writing. In ordinary speech, you might say someone knowingly ignored a warning or knowingly provided false information. The key idea is that the person is aware of the relevant facts at the time of the action, not acting merely by chance or misbelief.

In legal contexts, knowingly often specifies a mental state in which the defendant has actual knowledge of the facts that make an action illegal or wrongful. It is commonly contrasted with unintentionally or unknowingly, and with terms like intentionally or willfully, which convey different nuances about purpose or awareness. The precise meaning can vary by jurisdiction, but the core concept is awareness of the relevant facts at the time of the conduct.

Etymology and form: knowingly derives from the verb know with the adverbial suffix -ly. The sense has developed in English to describe the manner of an action, emphasizing awareness rather than merely the outcome.

Examples: She knowingly signed the contract without reading it. The company knowingly violated safety regulations. He knowingly withheld information.