grok
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To understand (something) intuitively, to know (something) without having to think intellectually.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I do not grok all fullness of what I read. In the history written by Master William Shakespeare I found myself full of happiness at the death of Romeo. Then I read on and learned that he had discorporated too soon – or so I thought I grokked. Why?
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To fully and completely understand something in all of its details and intricacies.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “grok” mean?
To understand (something) intuitively, to know (something) without having to think intellectually.
Is “grok” formal or informal?
grok is generally slang.