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Ken
01
the scope of what someone is aware of or is capable of grasping
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Simple
Uncountable
Plural form
kens
Examples
Quantum physics is beyond my ken, but I admire those who master it.
02
the distance that can be seen by someone
Examples
The mountains came into ken as the fog lifted.
to ken
01
(Scottish) to know, be aware of, or understand
Slang
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
State verb
Regular
Present tense
ken
3rd person singular
kens
Present participle
kenning
Past simple
kent
Past participle
kent
What does "to ken" mean in Scottish slang?
It is used in Scotland, Northern England, and parts of Northern Ireland to mean to know, be aware of, or understand something. People typically say "I dinnae ken" (I don't know) or "Do ye ken what I mean?" The term originated in Old English and Old Norse, remained in Northern British dialects while disappearing from Southern English, and remains a strong marker of Scottish and Northern English speech.
Examples
Do you ken what I mean?
