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

Newer anti-seizure drugs that are widely used today are generally considered safe, but little is known about whether they affect cognition in children after fetal exposure.

From Science Daily

By pinpointing these cellular foundations, the study, published in Nature Neuroscience, offers a deeper understanding of the cellular foundations of cognition and mental health.

From Science Daily

Despite the previous evidence that schooling requirement laws impact cognition in older adults, gaps in equitable research remain.

From Science Daily

"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