known quantities

Things already understood

Known quantities are factors or elements whose values or behaviors can be reliably predicted.

In mathematics, a known quantity is a value that has been determined, as opposed to a variable being solved for.

More broadly, the phrase describes people or situations that are familiar and predictable: We hired her because she's a known quantity—no surprises.

The opposite is an unknown quantity.

certainty

fact

Verifiable piece of information

givenAccepted as fact
suretyBacker of obligation
guaranteeFormal promise of fulfillment

assurance · foregone conclusion · sure thing · certainty · inevitability · definite · locked in · banked on · counted on · no-brainer

measurement

benchmark

Standard for comparison

baselineStandard for comparison
referenceDirecting attention elsewhere
standardLevel of quality accepted

metric · yardstick · calibration · parameter · constant · variable · control · index · gauge · measure

reliability

dependable

Worthy of trust

trustworthyWorthy of confidence
provenEstablished as fact
predictableAble to be foreseen

consistent · stable · solid · reliable · steady · tested · vetted · established · familiar · safe bet

recognition

familiar face

Person you recognize

household nameWidely recognized person or brand
public figureProminent, widely recognized person
notableWorthy of attention

celebrity · fixture · regular · institution · staple · perennial · standby · familiar name

known quantities

fact

benchmark

dependable

familiar face

known quantities

Opposites

Categories

Family