cognizance

American  

[kog-nuh-zuhns, kon-uh-] / ˈkɒg nə zəns, ˈkɒn ə- /

Or cognisance

noun

1. awareness, realization, or knowledge; notice; perception.

   The guests took cognizance of the snide remark.

   Synonyms:

   scrutiny, regard, attention, heed, note

2. Law.

   1. judicial notice as taken by a court in dealing with a cause.

   2. the right of taking jurisdiction, as possessed by a court.

   3. acknowledgment; admission, as a plea admitting the fact alleged in the declaration.

3. the range or scope of knowledge, observation, etc..

   Such understanding is beyond his cognizance.

4. Heraldry. a device by which a person or a person's servants or property can be recognized; badge.

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cognizance British  

/ ˈkɒɡnɪzəns, ˈkɒnɪ- /

noun

1. knowledge; acknowledgment

2. to take notice of; acknowledge, esp officially

3. the range or scope of knowledge or perception

4. law

   1. the right of a court to hear and determine a cause or matter

   2. knowledge of certain facts upon which the court must act without requiring proof

   3. confession

5. heraldry a distinguishing badge or bearing

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Usage

What does cognizance mean? Cognizance is awareness or knowledge of something.The word cognizance is typically used in a formal way. The word awareness means the same thing but is used more broadly.The adjective form of cognizance is cognizant. To be cognizant of something is to be aware of it or have knowledge of it. Cognizant is almost always followed by the word of and the thing that the person is cognizant of, as in He was cognizant of the report at the time. It’s often used in the phrase cognizant of the fact, as in I’m cognizant of the fact that you dislike me, but we still need to work together to get this done.Cognizance is used in a more specific way in a legal context. It can refer to a court’s right to jurisdiction in a case, or to knowledge of certain facts, or, sometimes, to a confession. The related word recognizance is also used in a legal context, often referring to an obligation to appear before a court or perform some other legal action, as in He was released on his own recognizance.  Example: We need to have more cognizance of the issues that are being faced by the average citizen.

Other Word Forms

• noncognizance noun
• self-cognizance noun

Etymology

Origin of cognizance

1250–1300; Middle English conisa ( u ) nce < Middle French con ( o ) is ( s ) ance, equivalent to conois ( tre ) to know (< Latin cognōscere; cognition ) + -ance -ance; forms with -g- (< Latin ) from the 16th century

Example Sentences

Throughout the process, students developed a greater cognizance of food waste, and these issues became more readily and consistently resonant when shopping.

From Salon

There’s a similar rampant cognizance of big American landmarks.

From Salon

“India will work to ensure that the valuable inputs generated from partner countries receive due cognizance globally,” he said.

From Seattle Times

Bedi said Indian authorities did not take cognizance of the reported presence of a Chinese spy ship in the region and went ahead with the test.

From Seattle Times

When he speaks to Susan in the real world, however, he conveys an extra level of cognizance, acknowledging his book reality as well as her own.

From Salon