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Knowledge vs. Technology — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 5, 2024
Knowledge is the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject, whereas technology applies knowledge for practical purposes.
Knowledge vs. Technology — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Knowledge and Technology

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Key Differences

Knowledge encompasses the accumulation of facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education. It's deeply rooted in theoretical understanding and cognitive grasp. Whereas technology is the application of this knowledge for the creation of tools, processing actions, and the extraction of materials. It’s essentially knowledge in action, transforming theories into tangible solutions.
Knowledge is often categorized into explicit and tacit. Explicit knowledge can be easily communicated and shared, typically in the form of hard data, codified procedures, or articles. On the other hand, technology often embodies explicit knowledge in its design and function, but its development can also depend on tacit knowledge, which is more intuitive and harder to transfer.
Knowledge can be seen as an ever-expanding repository that grows with each new discovery, observation, or insight. It is not limited by its practical application but is valued for its own sake. Technology, however, evolves through iterations of improvement and innovation, driven by the need to solve specific problems or enhance certain functionalities.
The dissemination of knowledge can occur in various ways, including education, research, and personal experiences, and it remains an intangible asset. Technology dissemination, however, requires the physical building, distribution, and sometimes training on the use of technological products or processes, making it a more tangible manifestation of knowledge.
Knowledge, being an abstract concept, doesn’t become obsolete; its relevance or accuracy might be challenged or expanded upon with new findings. Technology, in contrast, can become outdated quickly as newer, more efficient solutions are developed, highlighting a cycle of continuous improvement and obsolescence.
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Comparison Chart

Nature

Theoretical understanding or practical skills acquired.
Application of knowledge for practical purposes.

Form

Can be explicit (codified) or tacit (intuitive).
Often results in tangible products or processes.

Evolution

Grows and expands with new discoveries.
Evolves through innovation to solve problems.

Dissemination

Through education, research, personal experiences.
Requires building, distribution, and training.

Obsolescence

Remains relevant, though can be expanded upon.
Can become outdated with new innovations.

Compare with Definitions

Knowledge

Information, facts, or principles learned.
She shared her knowledge of gardening with the community.

Technology

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
The technology behind smartphones has evolved rapidly.

Knowledge

Understanding gained through learning or experience.
His deep knowledge of history informed his novel.

Technology

New innovations and gadgets developed through applied science.
She’s interested in the latest technology trends.

Knowledge

The theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
His knowledge of physics was unparalleled.

Technology

Machinery and equipment developed from scientific knowledge.
Modern farming technologies have increased crop yields.

Knowledge

A body of truths or facts accumulated over time.
The library was a vast resource of knowledge.

Technology

Techniques for accomplishing tasks efficiently, often through technological tools.
Their company uses technology to streamline operations.

Knowledge

Awareness or familiarity gained by experience.
Traveling gives you knowledge of other cultures.

Technology

The branch of knowledge dealing with engineering or applied sciences.
He has a degree in technology.

Knowledge

Knowledge is a familiarity, awareness, or understanding of someone or something, such as facts (descriptive knowledge), skills (procedural knowledge), or objects (acquaintance knowledge). By most accounts, knowledge can be acquired in many different ways and from many sources, including but not limited to perception, reason, memory, testimony, scientific inquiry, education, and practice.

Technology

Technology ("science of craft", from Greek τέχνη, techne, "art, skill, cunning of hand"; and -λογία, -logia) is the sum of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation. Technology can be the knowledge of techniques, processes, and the like, or it can be embedded in machines to allow for operation without detailed knowledge of their workings.

Knowledge

Facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject
A thirst for knowledge
Her considerable knowledge of antiques

Technology

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry
Advances in computer technology
Recycling technologies

Knowledge

Awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation
The programme had been developed without his knowledge
He denied all knowledge of the incidents

Technology

The application of science, especially to industrial or commercial objectives.

Knowledge

The state or fact of knowing
Humans naturally aspire to knowledge.

Technology

The scientific method and material used to achieve a commercial or industrial objective.

Knowledge

Familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through experience or study
Has great knowledge of these parts.
Has only limited knowledge of chemistry.

Technology

Electronic or digital products and systems considered as a group
A store specializing in office technology.

Knowledge

The sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned
The extraordinary knowledge housed in the library.

Technology

(Anthropology) The body of knowledge available to a society that is of use in fashioning implements, practicing manual arts and skills, and extracting or collecting materials.

Knowledge

(Archaic) Carnal knowledge.

Technology

(uncountable) The study of or a collection of techniques.

Knowledge

The fact of knowing about something; general understanding or familiarity with a subject, place, situation etc.
His knowledge of Iceland was limited to what he'd seen on the Travel Channel.

Technology

(countable) Any useful skill or mechanism that was developed or invented.

Knowledge

Awareness of a particular fact or situation; a state of having been informed or made aware of something.

Technology

(archaic) A discourse or treatise on the arts.

Knowledge

Intellectual understanding; the state of appreciating truth or information.
Knowledge consists in recognizing the difference between good and bad decisions.

Technology

Industrial science; the science of systematic knowledge of the industrial arts, especially of the more important manufactures, as spinning, weaving, metallurgy, etc.

Knowledge

Familiarity or understanding of a particular skill, branch of learning etc.
Does your friend have any knowledge of hieroglyphs, perchance?
A secretary should have a good knowledge of shorthand.

Technology

The practical application of science to commerce or industry

Knowledge

(philosophical) Justified true belief

Technology

The discipline dealing with the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems;
He had trouble deciding which branch of engineering to study

Knowledge

(obsolete) Information or intelligence about something; notice.

Knowledge

The total of what is known; all information and products of learning.
His library contained the accumulated knowledge of the Greeks and Romans.

Knowledge

(countable) Something that can be known; a branch of learning; a piece of information; a science.

Knowledge

(obsolete) Acknowledgement.

Knowledge

(obsolete) Notice, awareness.

Knowledge

The deep familiarity with certain routes and places of interest required by taxicab drivers working in London, England.

Knowledge

(obsolete) To confess as true; to acknowledge.

Knowledge

The act or state of knowing; clear perception of fact, truth, or duty; certain apprehension; familiar cognizance; cognition.
Knowledge, which is the highest degree of the speculative faculties, consists in the perception of the truth of affirmative or negative propositions.

Knowledge

That which is or may be known; the object of an act of knowing; a cognition; - chiefly used in the plural.
There is a great difference in the delivery of the mathematics, which are the most abstracted of knowledges.
Knowledges is a term in frequent use by Bacon, and, though now obsolete, should be revived, as without it we are compelled to borrow "cognitions" to express its import.
To use a word of Bacon's, now unfortunately obsolete, we must determine the relative value of knowledges.

Knowledge

That which is gained and preserved by knowing; instruction; acquaintance; enlightenment; learning; scholarship; erudition.
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Ignorance is the curse of God;Knowledge, the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.

Knowledge

That familiarity which is gained by actual experience; practical skill; as, a knowledge of life.
Shipmen that had knowledge of the sea.

Knowledge

Scope of information; cognizance; notice; as, it has not come to my knowledge.
Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldst take knowledge of me?

Knowledge

Sexual intercourse; - usually preceded by carnal; same as carnal knowledge.

Knowledge

The psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

Common Curiosities

Is all knowledge scientific?

No, knowledge can be scientific, philosophical, cultural, etc., covering a wide range of fields.

Can technology exist without knowledge?

No, technology is based on the application of knowledge and cannot exist without it.

What is knowledge?

Knowledge is the understanding, awareness, or familiarity gained through education, experience, or investigation.

What is technology?

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.

What role does experience play in knowledge?

Experience can lead to tacit knowledge, which is understood intuitively and through practice rather than being formally taught.

How does technology relate to knowledge?

Technology is the practical application of knowledge to create tools and systems that solve problems.

Can knowledge be outdated?

While specific facts or understandings may evolve, knowledge itself expands and builds upon previous understandings.

How do people access new technology?

Through purchasing, training, and adapting to new systems introduced into the market.

How is knowledge shared?

Through education, research, publications, and personal or collective experiences.

How does technology evolve?

Through innovation, research, and improvement of existing tools and processes.

Can technology influence the acquisition of knowledge?

Yes, technology can facilitate learning and access to information, influencing how knowledge is acquired.

What is the difference between knowledge and information?

Knowledge is the deeper understanding or insight gained from information, which is data or facts.

What is an example of technology becoming obsolete?

Floppy disks have become obsolete with the advent of more efficient storage solutions.

How do knowledge and technology impact society?

They drive societal progress through innovation, education, and the improvement of living standards.

What is the importance of updating technology?

Updating technology is crucial for efficiency, security, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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