Meaning & use
applied knowledge
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountable
Knowledge that is put to practical use in real situations, rather than just known in theory.
Grammar: No plural: say 'applied knowledge', not 'applied knowledges'.
Patterns
- applied knowledge of something
- put knowledge into practice
- use applied knowledge
The course gives students applied knowledge they can use at work.
Her applied knowledge of chemistry helped solve the problem quickly.
Employers value applied knowledge more than memorized facts.
noununcountable
The kind of understanding gained by doing something, not just by reading or studying.
Grammar: Often used with 'gain', 'acquire', or 'demonstrate'.
Patterns
- gain applied knowledge
- demonstrate applied knowledge
Internships let students gain applied knowledge in their field.
The exam tests applied knowledge, not just definitions.
Common combinations
- applied knowledge and skills
- The program focuses on applied knowledge and skills for the workplace.
- practical application of knowledge
- The project shows the practical application of knowledge in engineering.
- gain applied knowledge
- You gain applied knowledge through hands-on experience.
Synonyms and how they differ
- practical knowledge
- Very close in meaning; 'applied knowledge' often suggests formal training or theory put to use.
- know-how
- More informal and focuses on skill; 'applied knowledge' can include understanding why something works.
Opposites
Word family
- apply verb
- To put something to practical use.
- applied adjective
- Used in a practical way.
- knowledgeable adjective
- Having a lot of knowledge.
Commonly confused: applied knowledge or theoretical knowledge?
applied knowledge vs theoretical knowledge
Theoretical knowledge is understanding ideas and principles, while applied knowledge is about using them in practice.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'applied knowledge' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Applied knowledge' is uncountable, so it cannot be plural ('knowledges') or take 'are'. It is used as a noun phrase: 'gave her applied knowledge'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “applied knowledge”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.