witting

[ wit-ing ]

adjective

1. knowing; aware; conscious.

noun

1. North England. knowledge.

witting

/ ˈwɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. deliberate; intentional

   a witting insult

2. aware; knowing

Derived Forms

• ˈwittingly, adverb

Other Words From

• witting·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of witting¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, witting is from the Middle English word witing. See wit ², -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“We expect financial institutions will undertake every effort to ensure that they are not witting or unwitting facilitators of circumvention and evasion,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement announcing the order.

From Seattle Times

“I can’t but think of partial replacements as immoral because they involve a witting decision by government agencies to leave residents at continued risk of exposure,” said Lambrinidou.

From Seattle Times

Instead of speaking out directly, the party has allowed loyalists on social media to depict the protesters as pawns, witting or unwitting, of Western efforts to destabilize China and discredit its “zero Covid” policies.

From New York Times

“And of course, having witting partners in Beijing and Moscow aid in sanctions violations also helps the regime’s weapons development prosper.”

From Seattle Times

And even though she’s the one holding the card, you could be on the hook too as a witting beneficiary of her actions.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• astute
• down-to-earth
• intelligent
• judicious
• logical
• practical
• prudent
• rational
• sane
• shrewd
• sober
• wise