Spanish word

desconocer

Pronunciation

IPA/deskonoˈθeɾ/

Meaning

  • verbnot know

Example

Desconozco a esa persona.

I do not know that person.

Illustration for desconocer (not know)

More examples

No puedes alegar que desconoces la ley para evitar la multa.

You cannot claim that you don't know the law to avoid the fine.

Core concept

Person with a name on a guest list crossed out and labeled 'unknown'.

Common phrases

  • desconocer a alguien

    be unacquainted with someone

  • desconocer la ley

    don't know the law

Similar words

conocer: Has personal acquaintance with someone or is familiar with a place.
saber: Knows facts, information, or how to do something.
ignorar: Is unaware of a specific fact, detail, or situation.

Definition in Spanish

Indicar falta de información o de familiaridad con alguien o negar la existencia, autoría o validez de algo, con un tono frecuentemente formal.

Word origin

Formed from des- 'not' plus conocer 'to know', ultimately from Latin cognoscere, which explains how it can mean both lack of familiarity and denial of authorship or existence.

Usage tips

  • When used about claims or responsibilities (La empresa desconoce la responsabilidad), desconocer often means to deny or disown rather than merely to lack information.

Other meanings

  • not recognizeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • desconocimientoignorancenoun
  • desconocidounknownadjective

Word lists with this word