Know-it-all

A 'know-it-all' is an individual who acts as if they possess comprehensive knowledge on a subject, often to an excessive and irritating degree. They frequently offer unsolicited advice, interrupt others to interject their opinions, and may dismiss the viewpoints of those they perceive as less informed. This behavior often stems from a need to assert intellectual superiority or a lack of genuine self-awareness. They may present information in a condescending or arrogant manner, leading to strained social interactions and a perception of them as insufferable. The term implies a degree of unwarranted certainty and a disregard for the possibility of learning from others or admitting a lack of knowledge.

Know-it-all meaning with examples

• During the project meeting, Mark, the know-it-all, constantly interrupted, offering critiques and 'superior' solutions, even when he wasn't familiar with the practical limitations. His colleagues found his behavior frustrating and counterproductive, as it hindered open communication and teamwork, making it difficult to complete the tasks.
• At the dinner party, Sarah, a know-it-all, spent the entire evening correcting everyone's pronunciation, pointing out factual errors in their stories, and elaborating on every topic, leaving little room for anyone else to contribute. Her constant displays of intellectual dominance created an uncomfortable and tense atmosphere throughout the evening.
• The online forum was quickly dominated by a know-it-all, posting lengthy critiques of every suggestion, asserting their 'superior' understanding of the topic, and dismissing any dissenting opinions. They alienated many of the other users and eventually led to an increasingly hostile and less collaborative online community.
• In a classroom setting, a know-it-all student often jumps in with answers before others can consider the question, belittles their peers' responses, and boasts about their achievements. This behavior, though seemingly confident, can often lead to a reluctance for classmates to engage in the learning process.
• The new intern was quickly labeled as a know-it-all after she started offering unsolicited advice to the senior staff about their established practices. Her behavior made her colleagues feel undermined and it resulted in a need to provide more mentorship and assistance to the new employee.