cognizance

or cog·ni·sance

[ kog-nuh-zuhns, kon-uh- ]

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.

cognizance

/ ˈkɒɡnɪzəns; ˈkɒnɪ- /

noun

1. knowledge; acknowledgment
2. take cognizance of
   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

Other Words From

• non·cogni·zance noun
• self-cogni·zance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cognizance¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cognizance¹

C14: from Old French conoissance, from conoistre to know, from Latin cognōscere to learn; see cognition

Example Sentences

Cognizance of the power of a firearm is a critical part of gun ownership for Nguyen, who is all too familiar with their devastating potential.

From Los Angeles Times

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

And while the intimate stories may seem like a vulnerable glimpse into the lives of these two women, it is difficult to discern, given their cognizance of the fact that their conversations will be made public, how much of that vulnerability is genuine.

From Seattle Times

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

From Washington Times