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knowledge

How to Pronounce "knowledge"

The correct pronunciation of "knowledge" is NOL-ij /ˈnɒl.ɪdʒ/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "kuh-NOW-lej" habit for good.

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knowledge

/ˈnɒl.ɪdʒ/
noun

Information and understanding gained through learning or experience.

NOL
ij
Stress: First syllable (NOL).

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The Indian-English Mistake: "kuh-NOW-lej" — and the Fix

AspectCommon in India (incorrect)Correct
Sounds likeSounding the 'k' and saying 'know-LEDGE': 'kuh-NOW-lej'.NOL-ij /ˈnɒl.ɪdʒ/
StressOften on the wrong syllableFirst syllable (NOL).

How Do You Pronounce "knowledge"?

"knowledge" is pronounced NOL-ij /ˈnɒl.ɪdʒ/. The stress is on the first syllable (NOL). As a noun, it means information and understanding gained through learning or experience.

The 'k' is silent and the first syllable is 'NOL' (like 'nol'), not 'know' — say NOL-ij.

Note: US /ˈnɑː.lɪdʒ/ — same silent k, slightly more open first vowel.

Say "knowledge" Step by Step

Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.

1

Break it into syllables

NOL-ij — say each part slowly and separately first.

2

Stress the right part

First syllable (NOL). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.

3

Nail the key sound

The 'k' is silent and the first syllable is 'NOL' (like 'nol'), not 'know' — say NOL-ij.

4

Blend and repeat

Now say "knowledge" at normal speed: NOL-ij. Record yourself and compare.

Minimal-Pair Drills for "knowledge" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)

Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.

1

college → knowledge

Second syllable matches 'college'; the k is silent.

2

NOT kuh-NOW-lej — NOL-ij

First vowel is short 'ol', not 'know'.

3

Say at speed: "Knowledge is power."

Keep the k silent and the first vowel short.

Why "knowledge" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It

Why this happens

Indian-language scripts pronounce every written letter, so the silent 'k' gets voiced and the vowel is stretched.

Tip: Drop the 'k' and shorten the first vowel: NOL-ij, stress on NOL.

Hear “knowledge” in a Sentence

Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.

She has deep knowledge of history.

Knowledge is power.

He shared his knowledge with the class.

Words Related to "knowledge"

Related: knife

Same silent k: NYF.

Now say it inside a sentence

Getting "knowledge" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce "knowledge" in Indian English?

"knowledge" is pronounced NOL-ij /ˈnɒl.ɪdʒ/. The stress is on the first syllable (NOL). The common Indian rendering "kuh-NOW-lej" is incorrect.

What is the most common mistake when saying "knowledge"?

Sounding the 'k' and saying 'know-LEDGE': 'kuh-NOW-lej'. Drop the 'k' and shorten the first vowel: NOL-ij, stress on NOL.

Why do Indian English speakers find "knowledge" hard to pronounce?

Indian-language scripts pronounce every written letter, so the silent 'k' gets voiced and the vowel is stretched. Drop the 'k' and shorten the first vowel: NOL-ij, stress on NOL.

Is there a US and UK difference in pronouncing "knowledge"?

US /ˈnɑː.lɪdʒ/ — same silent k, slightly more open first vowel.

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