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Meaning of I don't know | Babel Free

Interjection CEFR C1
/[ɑ̈ɪ̯(ɾ)oʊ̯̃(ʔ)(t̚)noʊ̯]/

Definitions

  1. Used in response to a question or command in which the target person does not know the answer to or how to respond.
  2. Used to indicate that one is speculating (often used sarcastically when stating the obvious).
  3. Used to express exasperation or incredulity about a given situation or person.
    UK
  4. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see I, don't, know.

Examples

“Mr. Schidtler: Does anybody here have any idea why "Inestine" was regarded as a great scientist? Kevin? Kevin: Oh, uh, I don't know.”
“Maybe you could, I don't know, directly talk to her about it instead of complaining to me for once?”
“The audacity of that lad... I don't know.”
“I don't know why Blip just shuts off the power and then blames it on the weather.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.

See also

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