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

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

More About Cognizance

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.

Where does cognizance come from?

The first records of the word cognizance come from the 1200s. It ultimately comes from the Latin cognōscere, meaning “to know.” The word cognition is based on the same root.

Cognizance doesn’t involve cognition so much as recognition. Having cognizance of something is recognizing that it exists, having knowledge of it, or being aware of it. The word is often used in the discussion of the importance of recognizing that a problem exists and then addressing it.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to cognizance?

• cognisance (alternate spelling)
• cognizant (adjective)

What are some synonyms for cognizance?

• awareness
• consciousness

What are some words that share a root or word element with cognizance? 

• recognizance
• cognition

What are some words that often get used in discussing cognizance?

• fact
• knowledge
• observe
• know
• informed
• information

How is cognizance used in real life?

Cognizant is typically used in a formal way. The word awareness means the same thing but is more commonly and broadly used.

"More field research is needed, he meant. More sampling of wild animals. More scrutiny of genomes. More cognizance of the fact that animal infections can become human infections, because humans are animals." https://t.co/i23brmKgiC

— Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (@JohnsHopkinsSPH) September 20, 2020

.@baselinescene "I think a narrower safety net, and more cognizance of what it means to be in the safety net, is really important."

— John Heltman (@JohnHeltman) December 5, 2016

@AAOSmembers Very topical – illustrates the need for increased cognizance and protocol for concussions in all HS sports

— Sergio M Navarro (@SergMNavarro) October 7, 2016

 

 

Try using cognizance!

Which of the following words is a synonym of cognizance?

A. cognition
B. awareness
C. information
D. ignorance