Nice word for know it all

Is there a word for a person who believes themselves to be smarter than others, but frequently betrays that the opposite is true. For example, when dumb-shaming someone, this person uses their big words incorrectly, but confidently. Know-it all isn’t quite right, because there’s a chance a know-it-all might actually know quite a lot.

asked Oct 20, 2019 at 22:30

lisa richardson's user avatar

0

egotist noun. TFD

A conceited, boastful person.

An egotist is a self-absorbed, bragging person. From Latin: ego = I.

As in:

Toby, vigilant about his diet and insecure about his height, is
persuasive as a well-meaning egotist. The New YorkerJun 27, 2019

answered Oct 21, 2019 at 0:07

lbf's user avatar

lbflbf

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Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Wikipedia.

know it all

To seem or affect to know everything about any given topic, and to make an irritating point of demonstrating that knowledge to others. Jim’s new boyfriend always acts like he knows it all. I can’t stand having a conversation with him about anything!

know-it-all

A person who seems or affects to know everything about any given topic, and who makes an irritating point of demonstrating their knowledge to others. Jim’s new boyfriend is such a know-it-all. I can’t stand having a conversation with him about anything! There is nothing more annoying than working with a know-it-all who constantly tries to outdo everyone else.

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

know-it-all

n. someone who gives the impression of knowing everything. Pete is such a know-it-all!

McGraw-Hill’s Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

See also:

  • know it all
  • be too clever by half
  • have hung up and salted
  • munch
  • be on (one’s) nerves
  • needle (one) about (something)
  • needle about
  • on a (subject or activity) kick
  • a pain in the neck


На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать грубую лексику.


На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать разговорную лексику.

всезнайка m

всезнайкой

всезнающего

всезнающими

себя всезнайку

всезнания

всезнающих

всезнающий


Managers who behave as a know-it-all, can never motivate and serve as role models to employees.



Менеджеры, которые ведут себя как всезнайка, никогда не сможет мотивировать и служить в качестве ролевых моделей для сотрудников.


He was quite a know-it-all, and he wanted to kind of make you laugh.



Он был немного всезнайка и он хотел вас рассмешить.


He continues being a trash-talking know-it-all who doesn’t really know anything.



«Он продолжит оставаться хвастливым всезнайкой, который, на самом деле, ничего не знает.


This will help you see if you are dealing with a team player or a know-it-all.



Это поможет понять, имеете ли вы дело с командным игроком или всезнайкой.


Don’t be a know-it-all, especially in church settings where the great majority of our spiritual lives revolves around faith and belief.



Не будьте всезнайкой, особенно в церковной обстановке, где большая часть нашей духовной жизни вращается вокруг веры и религиозных убеждений.


Many imagine coldly objective future computers, but no one likes a know-it-all.



Многие представляют себе компьютеры будущего холодно-объективными, но никто не любит всезнаек.


I didn’t like to hang out with the «know-it-all» crowd.



Мне не нравилось болтаться с толпой «всезнайки«.


The know-it-all who actually knows it all.



Всезнайка, которая на самом деле всё знает.


My brother is a dangerous know-it-all and the stuff he’s messing with is even worse.



Мой брат — опасный всезнайка, а эти штуки, с которыми он возится, ещё хуже.


I’ll call you if I ever need a bossy know-it-all.



Я тебе позвоню, если мне понадобится любящая командовать всезнайка.


Well, I’d rather be poindexter the know-it-all than the hoi polloi.



Что ж, я скорее предпочту быть всезнайкой, чем шушерой.


Well, tell me this, miss know-it-all.



А скажи-ка мне вот что, мисс Всезнайка.


I don’t know why I’m such a know-it-all.


He has glasses and I’m a know-it-all; we are not built for prison.



Он носит очки, а я всезнайка, мы не созданы для тюрьмы.


The know-it-all received a mystery guest at number neun and before long, there’s an asphyxiation.



Всезнайка принял загадочного гостя в девятом номере и вскоре произошло удушье.


Nobody likes a know-it-all, kid.


I’m sorry if I was a know-it-all.


An experienced «know-it-all» is truly a skunk at the garden party.



Опытный «всезнайка» — воистину скунс на вечеринке в саду.


Whether it’s a leader or the ward know-it-all, it usually never works out well.



Будь то руководитель или приходской всезнайка, обычно ничего хорошего из этого не получается.


That’s because it is often perceived as being a know-it-all or self-absorbed.



Это потому, что это часто воспринимается как всезнайка или самодовольство.

Ничего не найдено для этого значения.

Результатов: 263. Точных совпадений: 263. Затраченное время: 63 мс

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Сленговое выражение: know-it-all

Перевод: всезнайка, человек, который думает, что знает все на свете; тот, кто всех раздражает тем, что знает ответ на любой вопрос

Пример:

Hey Chris, stop being such a know-it-all and let someone else give their opinion.
Слушай, Крис, хватит вести себя как всезнайка, пусть кто-нибудь другой выскажет свое мнение.

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Know-it-alls are those individuals who believe (or have to be) an expert on literally EVERY topic. They find it difficult to let others take the spotlight even when the evidence suggests they’d be better off doing so.

In this article, we’ve got some witty comebacks along with some genuinely helpful suggestions to aid you in your plight of dealing with these types of people, but first, what is the ‘Know-it-all?’

The Know-it-all is a type of human who expresses their self-designated belief of superiority through controlling conversations, offering some much-needed unsolicited advice, acting in a deliberate contrarian manner, and behaving far above their assigned authority.

Know-it-alls can be hard to be around because they can be condescending, deliberately challenging, and quick to waste their time and energy (and sometimes your too) in pointless debates.

What’s important to understand about Know-it-alls is that they’re usually covering up one or two things; one, a serious case of low self-esteem and/or two, a ridiculously inflated ego (these could potentially be manifestations of a larger issue such as mental disorders).

When you think about it, why else would they need to try so hard to prove how superior they are to others? Then there are some Know-it-alls who are going through a phase (usually developmental) – these are the kids and young adults who’ve had their first taste of freedom and now find it difficult to receive any further input from others (this with time and experience, usually subsides).

We all know that being a know-it-all is ultimately self-sabotaging. Eventually, you’ll grate on others to the point where they’ll actively tune you out (or you’ll end up looking very silly). So, how do we deal with the Know-it-all?

Recommended Ways to Deal with Know-it-alls:

  • Resist the urge to take it personally and or argue; retaliation is a waste of your time and energy as their behavior has to do with their underlying issues – not yours.
  • (If you can bear it) give credit where it is due. Not only will this make you the bigger person, but Know-it-alls also crave attention and praise. You don’t have to feed the beast, but you can express genuine gratitude at the things they do know well – (whilst resisting the put on the patronizing tone you use when talking to a child).
  • In the same breath, make sure others have the room to speak. Do not allow yourself and others to be smothered, falsely criticized, humiliated, or abused. Unless you’re a hired professional, it is not your responsibility to ‘fix’ people therefore, do not compromise your own sanity for the sake of someone else’s.
  • Be the person you wish you were. Maintain a level of understanding and compassion. Know-it-alls are trying their best. Practice your patience, think happy thoughts… think zen. 
  • Protect your own mind. It might help you to understand the underlying issues of the Know-it-all. If you’re coming from a place of understanding you’re likely to see the behavior for what it is, thus protecting your own stress/anger levels.

Response 1 | A Friendly Reminder for A Not-so-friendly Personality (Best for Office Know-it-alls)

You are really appreciated for all your knowledge and the hard work you do around here. However some of the other members of the team have told me they’re reluctant to speak up because you are instantly dismissive or rude about their opinions. Unfortunately I have seen this behavior first-hand myself. I know you have strong feelings about how we should should do things around here, however I need everyone to feel as though their input is valid. I need other people to be able to speak at the meetings as this is what I’ve hired them to do. I ask that you hold your opinions until the end or when requested. Thank you.

This is a polite reminder that you are the person who makes the final decisions.

Response 2 | Knowing Everything Isn’t Possible

Did you know that the mere fact that we are humans in a Universe means that that we cannot literally ‘know’ anything outside the mere experiential fact that we exist? There is no such thing as absolute information or knowledge in truth, what we believe to be truth is simply speculation and opinion…

Okay so this one is petty, but how do you out-witt somebody who thinks they know everything? Remind them that there is no such thing as absolute truth – we’re all just going on our own perceptions.

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Response 3 | Sometimes Silence Says it All

This is actually how to show the Know-it-all how what it’s like to be around them. Remain silent whilst they’re talking and stare at them directly in the eyes whilst they speak. Then say:

That’s fascinating, tell me more…

Keep this up for a while and they’ll eventually realize you weren’t listening and that what they’re saying holds little value to you. If this doesn’t work, then you’ll need to walk away.

Response 4 | Opinions Are Not Facts

Where did you get that information from? I’m not familiar with studies that demonstrate that. Can you tell me where I can read the published results?

This script calls attention to the need for supporting evidence (otherwise, it’s just an opinion) this gently nudges the Know-it-all into realizing that they were incorrectly stating opinion as fact. Scripts like this one can take the Know-it-all down a peg without being outrightly rude or critical.

Response 5 | Just Listing a Fact…

Everything we hear is an opinion not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective not a truth. 

Response 6 | Plain Old Passive Aggressive

Since you know everything, then you know you’re being extremely rude by talking over people when they’re trying to get their point across.
It’s better to be informed instead of being opinionated wouldn’t you agree?

At Never the Right Word, our aim is to give you practical examples of how to handle life’s difficult conversations. If you have an awkward situation that you’d like example templates for, request a topic here.  

If you’re interested in further reading, we’ve also included links to our trusted resources and related posts below. To find out more about NTRW and our recommended tools, you can do that here.

Lastly, if you found this content helpful or want to share your own examples, let us know in the comments. We’d also be delighted if you shared this article and joined us on social media too!

About

Know-It-All is the colloquial name of the character Ian from the 2004 animated film The Polar Express. In late 2018, the character was used as a reaction image making fun of people with nerdy opinions.

Origin

«Know-It-All» was a character in 2004’s Polar Express. He was characterized by his spouting of annoying facts and irritating the other passengers.

The earliest known usage of the character as an image macro was posted by Twitter [2] user @mister_faceless on December 17th, 2018. They captioned the post with a joke about TikTok. The post received more than 1,400 retweets and 5,900 likes in four days (shown below).

nobody: people who like tik tok cringe compilations:

Spread

The following day, on December 18th, 2018, Twitter user @SanicGTGF[1] posted the image with the caption «You guys wanna hear sicko mode or mo bamba,» making the character sound like a nerdy white hip-hop fan. The tweet gained over 109,000 retweets and 430,000 likes (shown below).

Over the following several days, more posts featuring the character appeared, often characterizing him as having a nerdy opinion. For example, a December 19th post in the subredddit /r/brockhampton using the character gained over 680 points. A post in /r/nba making fun of critics of James Harden gained over 420 points (shown below, right).

Posted by u/DCunt 1 day ago 68 Have y'all ever heard of BROCKHAMPTON? 4 Posted by Capela u/HTXWaltDisney 20 hours ago 424 "Harden is ruining basketball" -average r/nba user

Various Examples

Lulu Followv @luulubuu funny tweet: people who think 'delete this' is fun and valid as reply to total strangers: 2:23 PM - 20 Dec 2018 Ducky Follow @DuckDraw "I like it, but anthros shouldn't have tattoos because they have fur." Anthony Fantano is so mean to Drake, go easy on Drake Anthony! "Vro Belle Delphine is the hottest thotthie" @humanity.gone26 Champions Ha307Mu . Dec 18 Replying to @BleacherReport "But Jordan is better" Robin @robin_p4 Follow Remember that annoying kid from polar express? Tnis is him now. Feel old yet? 11:26 AM-3 Dec 2018

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@_choco_choco_ «You’re such a know-it-all» is something you hear a lot too.




  • English (UK)

  • English (US)

«Know-it-all» is definitely the most natural. A more informal, offensive way of saying this could be «smart ass».




  • Japanese

@Cushlamel
Thank you so much for the quick reply!
Can I use it like “You are a Know-it-all”?






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  • English (US)

@_choco_choco_ «You’re such a know-it-all» is something you hear a lot too.




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Have you ever encountered a “know-it-all”? Someone who claims to know everything, likes to dominate conversations, and offer unsolicited advice?

Dealing with such a person can be quite difficult. Fortunately, the characteristics of a know-it-all are fairly easy to spot. 

But first…


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What is a “know-it-all”?

A know-it-all can also be defined as someone who has an opinion about everything. They are very confident about their views, but they don’t really listen or consider other people’s points of view. They may also come off as overconfident, self-centered, egotistical, etc., but it all comes down to one thing – they have arrogant behavior because they think they know every topic there is!

Examples of Know-It-Alls

characteristics of a know it all

Whether you’re at home, in school, in the office, and in other social settings, you’re bound to encounter a know-it-all sooner or later. Here are some common examples:

A know-it-all could be your elderly aunt who has an opinion about everything. While you’re cooking dinner, she would be looking over your shoulder constantly, telling you the “right” way to prepare the food. If you’re having a casual discussion about music, she would complain about how today’s artists lack talent and don’t know how to compose excellent songs, like in the “good old days.”

In school, the know-it-all could be your History professor who refuses to accept ideas contrary to his own. It could also be your overachieving classmate who never gets tired of raising her hand in class – so much that even your teacher tries to ignore her and calls someone else instead.

In the office, the know-it-all could be a co-worker whom everyone tries to avoid because of her superior attitude. She loves telling others how to do their jobs but has trouble following commands or receiving feedback.

And yes, know-it-alls could be anybody. It could be you. It could be me. It could be anybody. 

So, what are the telltale characteristics of a know-it-all? Let’s find out. 

How can you recognize a know-it-all from everyone else? Here are some typical signs or characteristics of know-it-alls:

1) They lack good listening skills. 

Know-it-alls like to talk and dominate conversations; however, they’re not too keen on listening and letting other people speak. They may pause and “pretend” to be interested in what you have to say, but deep inside, they are actually thinking about how to take over the discussion once again.

>>>>> Want to improve your listening skills? Check this out. <<<<<

2) They love talking about themselves. 

They tend to brag about their achievements, talents, and experiences. They are the kind of people who often offer unsolicited advice without considering how others would feel. 

3) They think they’re always right. 

what is a know it all personality

When confronted by something new, know-it-alls immediately jump to conclusions, even if they know based on limited knowledge. For example, they might assume that there must be only one correct answer to any question. Or they might believe that they already know everything there is to know about a specific topic.

4) They often interrupt others

When they feel threatened by another person’s opinions, they try to silence the other person by cutting them as they’re speaking. They might also make comments such as “You don’t understand…” or “I’m sure I told you this before….” 

5) Know-it-alls love to offer unsolicited advice. 

what makes a person a know it all

Know-it-alls simply love giving their “expert” advice and opinion – even if the situation doesn’t call for it. Imagine having a conversation with friends about your favorite restaurants. The know-it-all will most likely give a lecture about the dangers of eating restaurant food or try to convince everyone why their favorite restaurant is “the best.”

If you ask them for suggestions, they won’t hesitate to tell you precisely what you need to change. However, they rarely consider whether their recommendations will benefit you. Instead, they focus more on convincing you to follow their ways.

6) They refuse to admit mistakes. 

It doesn’t matter how many times they make errors. They will insist that they did nothing wrong anyway. Even worse, they sometimes blame others for their failures.

If someone points out an error made by the know-it-all,  the latter tends to ignore the criticism and instead focuses on proving that she was right all along.

7) They like to show off their intelligence. 

The know-it-all likes to act smart. That’s why they go so much length just to prove that they’re knowledgeable. They even use big words with the sole purpose of impressing others. In worse cases, know-it-alls will exaggerate information so that nobody would question their statements. 

8) Know-it-alls can be condescending. 

Know-it-alls like to think they are the best, or at least better than most people in many things. A good example would be that classmate who often gets the highest marks but looks down on everybody else. Instead of trying to empathize or help someone struggling in school, the know-it-all would show off “superior” knowledge and skills instead.

Know-it-alls sometimes have an inflated sense of worth and would occasionally use sarcasm and putdowns to belittle others. If you oppose their point of view, they may accuse you of being stupid or ignorant.

9) They are usually argumentative.

how to describe a know it all

Know-it-alls have strong feelings about almost anything. And because they want to prove that they are smarter than other people, they often resort to conflict. 

They like to start arguments, even if the situation doesn’t call for a debate. This could be because know-it-alls like having the chance to prove their “superior” knowledge. Moreover, they always need to have the last word, regardless of how strong (or weak) their argument is.

10) Know-it-alls are often quick to judge.

Know-it-alls usually see their thoughts and opinions as “absolute truth.” So, when they see or hear a differing opinion, they immediately jump to conclusions. Instead of considering other people’s ideas and looking at the bigger picture, know-it-alls are too quick to judge. 

11) Know-it-alls tend to be self-centered.

Because they often have a superior attitude, know-it-alls don’t care much about anyone except themselves. They only pay attention to those whom they deem worthy enough to listen to. 

12) Know-it-alls like to be the center of attention.

When something is interesting going on around them, know-it-alls will do everything in their power just to get noticed. For instance, they might talk loudly, interrupt conversations, or play loud music. Or maybe they will pretend to look important while walking through crowded places. They may also try to draw attention away from others by making fun of them.

Top Reasons Why Some People Develop the Characteristics of a Know-it-all

When you encounter a know-it-all, you might think that the person is arrogant, self-centered, or just plain selfish. As a result, you’d rather stay away and try to avoid this difficult person as much as possible.

However, we should always try to give know-it-alls the benefit of the doubt. What if there’s a deeper explanation behind the person’s condescending attitude? 

Below are some probable factors:

1. Deep inside, they feel insecure.

Despite their seemingly confident and outspoken nature, some know-it-alls may be hiding insecurities. In order to satisfy their need for validation, they constantly strive for improvement, which could explain their “superior” and dominating personality trait.

That’s why it can be hard to understand what motivates these individuals. It seems like they are so sure of themselves, yet deep down, they still harbor doubts. Nonetheless, they keep on trying to convince everyone else that they are right.

 >>>>> Understand insecurity better. Check this out. <<<<<

2. They’re used to being the center of attention.

center of attention

Some know-it-alls grew up in families where they were treated differently from other kids. Because of this, they develop an ego that makes them believe that they deserve special treatment. When someone disagrees with them, they automatically assume that the other person must be wrong. Even up to their teenage or adult years, they still expect to be lavished with praises and attention.

3. They have always had to compete for attention.

know-it-alls are argumentative

On the other hand, a know-it-all could be the “unnoticed” or “neglected” child in the family. Growing up, this person may have had to compete for attention alongside more talented or skilled siblings. Upon reaching adulthood, their overly “competitive” attitude may have remained. As a result, they may now find it challenging to accept corrections because of fear of losing face.

How to Deal with Know-It-Alls

Now that you know about the known characteristics of know-it-alls and the possible reasons behind their bad behavior, let’s focus on how to deal with them. Here are some suggestions: 

1. Get to know them better. 

The know-it-all’s behavior may put you off at first, and your initial reaction might be just to stay away from that person whenever you can. But before you make any decisions, consider getting to know them better first. By spending some time with them and learning a little more about their background and experiences, you will have a better idea of their personality.

As mentioned earlier, they might be hiding deep insecurity or unresolved issues stemming from childhood. If you get to know them well enough, you might even discover something positive about them. Particularly true when dealing with people who seem very self-assured but also possess hidden weaknesses. In such cases, you can help them overcome their fears and become stronger by understanding those vulnerabilities.

>>> Learn more about how you can better understand people who are tough to love.<<<

2. Try to ask probing questions.

ask probing questions to a know-it-all

Know-it-alls love dominating discussions when given a chance to speak. After all, this enables them to show off their breadth of knowledge.

One good way to deal with them is by asking detailed questions. If they are insisting on a particular argument, ask them to support their claims. Inquire about specific details and have them verify the credibility of their sources. By putting know-it-alls in this position, you are indirectly “teaching” them to check their facts and sources before sharing these with others. 

3. Don’t take their behavior personally.

Being with a know-it-all can be pretty annoying and frustrating. Sometimes, they might even say something that offends you or challenges your authority. When this happens, try not to take it personally.

A simple discussion could turn into a full-blown argument and only worsen the situation if you lash out. Before saying anything you might regret later – take a deep breath, keep calm, and try not to let the person’s words get to you.

4. Offer constructive feedback.

get to know a know-it-all better

Most know-it-alls are not aware of how their behavior affects others. Likely, they don’t see themselves as condescending, argumentative, or judgmental. Even when people try to avoid them, they usually fail to realize that their behavior could be the reason.

If the know-it-all happens to be your friend or co-worker, consider giving them some constructive feedback. Have a cup of coffee with the person so you can have a heart-to-heart talk. This would be the perfect time to “gently” offer your feedback and suggestions. Who knows? This could be the only thing missing to help them realize that there are better ways to behave than being rude and arrogant.

>>>>> Learn the essentials of giving constructive criticism here. <<<<<

5. Be patient.

It takes time to change someone else’s mind. You cannot force anyone to do things differently unless they want to. So if you’re going to improve your relationship with a know-it-all, start by making small changes. For example, instead of arguing every single point, focus on one issue at a time. Instead of constantly correcting everything he says, allow him to correct himself. Also, keep in mind that no matter how much you argue back, nothing will ever convince a know-it-­all to stop behaving like one.

>>>>> There’s power in patience. Learn more about it here. <<<<<

6. Avoid getting into an argument.

When you find yourself in a heated debate with a know-it‑all, the chances are high that you won’t win. The best strategy here is to simply walk away. Do not engage in any kind of verbal battle because you’ll lose anyway. Besides, you’re probably wasting your energy fighting against a brick wall.

7. Pick your battles wisely. 

Know-it-alls tend to pick fights whenever they feel threatened. They may challenge you over trivial issues such as grammar mistakes or spelling errors. But if you choose to respond, make sure that you address the real problem first. Otherwise, you risk losing control of the conversation and end up having a pointless fight.


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8. Agree to disagree, and move on.

agree to disagree with a know-it-all

If you get “trapped” in a heated debate with a know-it-all, then perhaps it is better to “agree to disagree” and move on. Engaging in further debate would only prolong the discussion and waste your time. You could say something like, “Well, it appears that we simply have different opinions about this matter, so let’s just agree to disagree.”

That’s it! End of discussion.

9. Be a good role model.

Sometimes, the best approach to dealing with know-it-alls is to lead by example. For instance, in the workplace, you could show them the importance of good listening skills and being a team player.

By being honest about your range of knowledge and skills, you could show them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that “knowing everything” is not the end goal. You could encourage your colleagues, including the know-it-alls, to do the same by setting a good example.

10. Keep your sense of humor.

Having a know-it-all at home or in the workplace can be emotionally exhausting at times, especially if you don’t like participating in their seemingly endless debates and one-sided discussions.

In any situation, remember to keep your cool, as well as your sense of humor. Don’t take things seriously, and try to see the bright and fun side of things. Who knows? You just might be able to bring out a know-it-all’s fun side, too! 

How to Avoid Becoming a Know-it-all

It may not be apparent to you, but there may be times when others see you as a know-it-all. There could be situations where you’re the one who likes to start arguments, dominate discussions, and prove your “superior” knowledge.

To avoid becoming a know-it-all, here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Take time for reflection and self-assessment.

self-assessment

Take some quiet time alone, without distractions. Sit down and think deeply about what makes you behave like a know-it-all. 

What triggers you to speak before thinking? Do you often interrupt people in a conversation? Is it hard for you to listen carefully? 

These questions should help you reexamine your behavior. Once you identify the factors that influence your behavior, you can work toward changing them.

2. Practice active listening.

Being attentive to what other people say is an integral part of active listening. It also involves asking open-ended questions, reiterating what was said, and summarizing key points. Maintaining an open mind is also crucial in order to allow yourself to hear both sides of the story. 

If you get caught up in your thoughts, stop and ask yourself whether you’ve been actively listening. If not, go back to the simple steps above and make a conscious effort to truly listen to others. 

>>>>> Want to improve your listening skills? Check this out. <<<<<

3. Stop trying to win every argument.

Arguments that arise from trivial topics cause unnecessary tension and rifts between friends. They usually lead nowhere productive. Instead, focus on finding common ground. Try to find something positive that you can share even if you disagree with another person. When you do all these, you won’t have to worry so much about winning over everyone around you.

4. Think twice before jumping into conversations.

Before starting a conversation, pause for a moment and assess whether you’ll benefit from having it. Will it give you or your friends some valuable insights? Will it provide you with helpful advice? 

If no, then let it pass. Not all conversations are worth pursuing. Some can only waste your precious energy.

5. Don’t take criticism personally.

Don’t get upset at comments made against you. Remember that most people aren’t out to hurt anyone. They may just be expressing themselves honestly. And sometimes, they might even mean well. 

No matter who says it, it’s not always a good idea to respond negatively. So think it through before assuming or acting out on anything. 

6. Never assume anything.

Never jump to conclusions based on limited information. Even though it seems obvious, many people still fail to see things clearly. Always keep an open mind and consider alternative explanations. Or simply ask other people for clarification. 

7. Seek the advice of your friends and family members. 

ask support from family and friends

If you suspect that you’re starting to act like a know-it-all, ask trustworthy people, like your friends and family members, for advice. It always pays to seek outside opinions since you don’t know everything. Your loved ones would happily tell you if you start misbehaving. But make sure you choose trustworthy people. Otherwise, their words could come across as harsh criticisms and may not help you get to where you want to go. 

10. Remember that there is a proper time for everything.

wait for your turn to shine

Even if you genuinely know your stuff – you’re an expert on a subject or skilled in a particular line of work – remember that there is a proper time for everything. There is a time to step up and “flaunt” your expertise; and a time to be silent and let other people shine. More importantly, there is always a time to learn, improve, and change what needs to be changed.

So, whenever you feel excited about sharing what you know, wait until the right occasion comes along. Then, do so without being too pushy. Instead, offer helpful suggestions and show interest in learning new things yourself. This way, you won’t end up annoying everyone around you.


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Conclusion 

As you can see, there is more to know-it-alls than just “knowing it all.” They may exhibit certain signs and characteristics, but remember that past experiences and motivations could drive these. Ultimately, the important thing is to learn how to deal with know-it-alls and avoid becoming one.

As long as you continue to grow, develop, and mature as a person, you should never worry about losing your ability to listen and communicate. The best thing to do is to remain humble and avoid thinking of yourself as superior to others. After all, knowledge is more than just power; it’s something you can share with others when they need it. 

characteristics of a know it all person

Disclaimer:

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Creativity Mesh. 

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