Nose and knows are commonly confused words that are pronounced in the same way when spoken aloud but are spelled differently and mean different things, which makes them homophones. We will examine the different meanings of the homophonic words nose and knows, the word origin of the terms, and some examples of their English usage in sentences.
A nose is an organ used to detect smells. A nose is also the primary organ for inhaling oxygen. The nose is located in the middle of the human face, above the mouth. Animals also have noses, though they are shaped differently. The word nose is also used to mean one’s sense of smell. Nose is used figuratively to mean one’s talent for something, or to mean the front end of an airplane or an automobile. Nose is used as a verb to mean to pry into someone else’s business, to search diligently, or to push something with one’s nose. The word nose is derived from the Old English word nosu. Related words are noses, nosed, nosing, nosy.
Knows means to be acquainted with a particular fact, to be aware of information because of direct observation or study, to be certain of something, to be familiar with someone or something. The word knows is derived from the Old English word, cnāwan, which means to perceive or identify. Knows is a verb, related words are know, knew, knowing.
Examples
An adorable young boy in Wales was dubbed “little real-life Pinocchio” by a proud mom because of his long nose resembling the Disney cartoon marionette’s own nose. (The Epoch Times)
Chinese and Russian warplanes have increasingly nosed around and veered into South Korea’s airspace, conducting close patrols that allow Beijing and Moscow to test the air defenses of the U.S. and its allies in the region. (The Wall Street Journal)
“She knows what she wants – whether it’s deciding to live away from William and Kate in her own home or having her mother by her side during the birth of her son.” (The Daily Express)
A spokesman for former President Bill Clinton said Monday that Clinton “knows nothing” about Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged crimes after the billionaire financier pleaded not guilty to sex-trafficking charges in Manhattan federal court. (USA Today)
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