cognition

[ kog-nish-uhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of knowing; perception.
2. the product of such a process; something thus known, perceived, etc.
3. knowledge.

cognition

/ kɒɡˈnɪʃən /

noun

1. the mental act or process by which knowledge is acquired, including perception, intuition, and reasoning
2. the knowledge that results from such an act or process

cognition

/ kŏg-nĭsh′ən /

1. The mental process of knowing, including awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment.

Derived Forms

• cogˈnitional, adjective

Other Words From

• cog·nition·al adjective
• noncog·nition noun
• self-cog·nition noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cognition¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English cognicioun, from Latin cognitiōn-, stem of cognitiō “knowledge, a learning,” equivalent to cognit(us) “learned, known” (past participle of cognōscere “to learn, become acquainted,” from co- co- + gnōscere, nōscere “to learn”; know ¹ ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of cognition¹

C15: from Latin cognitiō, from cognōscere from co- (intensive) + nōscere to learn; see know

Example Sentences

"That inspired them to want to study animal cognition," she says.

From Science Daily

What if Trump's behavior and questions of aging and his mind and cognition were covered by the news media in the same obsessive way they focused on President Biden?

From Salon

Economic stress can also interfere with parent-child bonds, causing long-term deficits in cognition, social skills, and emotion regulation.

From Salon

When it comes to abstract reasoning — “a key aspect of human intelligence,” in the words of Melanie Mitchell, an expert in cognition and intelligence at the Santa Fe Institute — the models fall short.

From Los Angeles Times

Impacts on how the brain develops could affect cognition, behaviour and reduce academic achievement.

From Salon