What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
knowingly
Example
He knowingly broke the law by driving without a license. [knowingly: adverb]
Example
She knowingly lied to her boss about her qualifications. [knowingly: adverb]
intentionally
Example
He intentionally left his phone at home to disconnect from technology. [intentionally: adverb]
Example
She intentionally ignored her friend's calls because she was upset with them. [intentionally: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intentionally is more commonly used than knowingly in everyday language. Intentionally is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while knowingly is less common and often used in legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between knowingly and intentionally?
Both knowingly and intentionally can be used in formal and informal contexts, but knowingly is more commonly used in legal or technical writing, while intentionally is more commonly used in everyday language.
