We all know that one person in the group who always has to have the last word or jump in with a fact, that no one even asked for in the first place. They will go out of their way to tell you exactly how something works, even if it’s not at all necessary. Well, that’s a know it all personality for you, my friend.
You know what? Being knowledgeable is great and all, but when it starts feeling like a lecture every time you talk to them, it can feel really, really annoying.
Today we are going to discuss in detail what makes a person a know it all, the signs of a know it all, and how do you deal with a know it all.
Let’s start with what makes a person a know it all.
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What Makes A Person A Know It All?
The know it all is someone who believes they have superior knowledge and feel the need to share it—constantly. They have this urge to correct, educate, or explain things, even when no one asked for their input.
Know it alls often have good intentions, but they end up dominating conversations, making others feel less heard or appreciated.
Sometimes, their need to share information comes from a place of deep insecurity or a desire to be seen as the smartest person in the room.
While being well-informed is a valuable skill to have, when it turns into a pattern of over explaining or constant correcting, it can quickly become annoying for everyone around them.
10 Signs Of A Know It All
1. They constantly correct you.
One of the most telltale signs of a know it all is the urge to constantly correct others. They find it extremely difficult to let even the smallest mistake slide.
Whether someone mispronounces a word or gets a small fact wrong, they jump in to set the record straight.
While they might feel like they are helping others, it can come across as pedantic or condescending to others. No one likes to feel like they’re being graded on every word that comes out of their mouth.
2. They always have to win every argument.
When it comes to the know it all, there’s no such thing as a “friendly debate.” Instead, every disagreement feels like a battle that must be won at all costs.
They keep on continuing an argument long after the other person has lost interest, determined to prove that their point is the right one. Sometimes, it’s not even about the topic anymore—it’s about showing that they’re more knowledgeable and intelligent.
3. They have a habit of talking over people.
If you often find someone interrupting others mid-sentence to make their point, this might be one of the many signs of a know it all.
It’s not that they don’t value what other people are saying—it’s that they feel their input is more important or more accurate.
Talking over people signals to others that their thoughts aren’t as valid, which can push them away from wanting to engage in a conversation with the know it all.
4. They love giving unsolicited advice.
Offering advice is great, but only when someone asks for it. But if someone you know frequently gives unsolicited advice, even on topics where they are not an expert, it can make them seem like a know it all.
This can include anything from telling someone how they should manage their finances to recommending life choices without considering the full picture.
Most people appreciate advice only when they’ve asked for it, and uninvited input can feel intrusive.
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5. They often start their sentences with “Actually…”
What makes a person a know it all? This is one of the many things. If you notice someone frequently starting their sentences with “actually,” chances are they might be veering into the know it all territory.
Phrases like “Actually, that’s not true,” or “Actually, here’s what really happened,” imply that they’re the authority on the topic and that the other person is wrong.
While there’s nothing wrong with sharing one’s opinions, putting them across in a way that seems to correct others can feel annoying and very dismissive.
6. They always dominate every conversation.
Do they seem like the type of person who tends to take over every conversation? If you notice that they are the one doing most of the talking and not giving others much space to share their thoughts, it might be wise to tell them to take a step back.
Know it alls often dominate conversations because they feel the need to share their knowledge on every topic, leaving little room for others to contribute.
7. They rarely admit when they’re wrong.
For a know it all, admitting they’re wrong can feel like the ultimate defeat. Instead of acknowledging a mistake, they might double down on their point or try to spin the conversation to avoid admitting that they might have been incorrect.
This can be frustrating for others, as it signals a lack of humility and the inability to have an open, and balanced discussion.
8. They are always fact-checking.
People with a know it all personality, will always feel compelled to fact-check everything, even in casual, informal conversations. If someone mentions a statistic or a piece of trivia, their first instinct is to Google it to ensure it’s accurate.
While it’s great to be informed, fact-checking every little thing can make conversations feel more like quizzes than friendly exchanges.
Also, more often than not, it can feel quite insulting too. Sometimes, it’s okay to let small things slide without pulling out your phone to double-check.
9. They don’t know many people who want to have a conversation with them.
If you’ve noticed that people tend to steer clear of certain topics when the know it all is around, it could be because they don’t want a lecture.
People often avoid talking about specific subjects because they know it’ll turn into a monologue or an argument.
If other people change the subject or avoid certain discussions around them, it might be time for the know it all to reflect on how they’re coming across.
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10. They always have an example to offer.
No matter what the topic is, the know it all always has an example or anecdote to share. While it’s nice to contribute to the conversation, having a story for everything can make it seem like they’re just waiting for their turn to talk, rather than genuinely listening.
It can also gives the impression that they believe their experiences or knowledge are more valuable than what others have to share.
Now that we know the signs of a know it all personality, let’s talk about how do you deal with a know it all.
How Do You Deal With A Know It All
Dealing with a know it all personality can be challenging, especially if they’re someone you encounter often, like a coworker, friend, or family member.
These strategies can help you:
1. Compliment their knowledge but know when to pivot.
Know it alls often just want validation. Give them a quick compliment like, “You’re always so informed about this stuff!” but then smoothly shift the conversation.
For example, “But I’m curious, what do you think about…” This gives them the acknowledgment they crave while subtly steering the topic in a new direction.
2. Turn the tables with humor.
How do you deal with a know it all? Instead of getting frustrated, use humor to disarm them. For instance, if they correct something trivial, you can playfully say, “Whoa, are you secretly writing a book on this?”
A light-hearted comment can ease tension, keep the mood positive, and sometimes make them rethink their constant correcting.
3. Challenge them with a question they can’t answer.
A person with a know it all personality hate being stumped. Politely ask a question that you know is out of their depth or expertise.
For instance, if they’re going on about a specific subject, hit them with a quirky or obscure question related to it. If they stumble, it might make them realize they don’t know everything after all, humbling them in a playful way and without stirring up drama.
4. Set a “No Correction Zone”.
If the know it all is a close friend or family member, establish a “no correction zone” for certain situations.
For example, during casual hangouts or light conversations, let them know it’s a correction-free space where everyone can just relax and chat without feeling like they’re in a debate.
This sets boundaries and also makes sure the environment is healthy and friendly.
5. Try to redirect the conversation with curiosity.
How do you deal with a know it all? Instead of engaging directly, redirect their need to be an expert into something more productive. Ask them to teach you something. “It seems like you know a lot about this. What’s the most interesting thing that you have learnt?”
This shifts their focus from correcting others to sharing, which more often than not leads to healthier and more constructive conversations, rather than causing a conflict.
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Bottomline
While it’s natural to want to share your knowledge, being a know it all can push people away and make conversations feel one-sided.
If you notice any of these signs of a know it all in someone you know, then it might be time to have an open and transparent conversation with them.
After all, the best conversations happen when everyone feels heard and respected.
Have you ever had to deal with a know it all personality? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
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