Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Cognition Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿง 
Add to dictionary

cognition

[kษ’ษกหˆnษชสƒ(ษ™)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mental process

Cognition refers to the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thoughts, experiences, and senses.

Synonyms

awareness, comprehension, perception.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cognition

Use this term when discussing mental processes related to thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering, often in academic or scientific settings.

  • Cognition plays a crucial role in how we learn new information.
  • Researchers are studying the effects of sleep on human cognition.
perception

Use this term when referring to the way someone interprets or understands sensory information. It can also refer to someone's viewpoint or understanding of a situation.

  • His perception of the painting was different from mine.
  • The marketing team's goal is to change public perception of the brand.
comprehension

This word is used when talking about the ability to understand something. It is often used in educational and academic contexts.

  • Reading comprehension is an important skill for academic success.
  • The teacher assessed the students' comprehension of the new material.
awareness

This word is typically used when referring to a state of being conscious or mindful of something. It can be used in both everyday speech and professional settings.

  • Her awareness of environmental issues inspired her to reduce waste.
  • He lacked awareness of the subtle social cues in the conversation.

Examples of usage

  • Cognition is crucial for problem-solving in everyday life.
  • Infants go through stages of cognitive development as they grow.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

In the field of psychology, cognition encompasses various mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, and decision-making.

Synonyms

cognitive processes, mental faculties, thinking abilities.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cognition

Utilize 'cognition' when describing the overall process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

  • His cognition was affected after the accident, making it hard for him to concentrate
  • Cognitive therapy can help improve cognition in patients with brain injuries
cognitive processes

Refer to 'cognitive processes' when discussing the specific mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge, thinking, and understanding.

  • Language learning involves several cognitive processes
  • Memory, perception, and reasoning are all cognitive processes that help us make sense of the world
mental faculties

Speak of 'mental faculties' to focus on different parts of the mind that are responsible for various mental activities, such as memory, perception, and reasoning.

  • After the operation, she regained her mental faculties
  • His mental faculties were fully engaged in solving the complex problem
thinking abilities

Choose 'thinking abilities' when referring to the capacity to think, reason, and solve problems.

  • The test was designed to assess students' thinking abilities
  • She has strong thinking abilities and can solve complex issues quickly

Examples of usage

  • Researchers study cognition to better understand how the mind works.
  • Cognition plays a key role in shaping human behavior.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Cognitive psychology studies how people think, learn, and remember, focusing on mental processes.
  • Research in this field has led to the development of techniques to improve memory and problem-solving skills.
  • Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that can influence our decisions and judgments.

Science

  • Cognition involves several brain areas, including the prefrontal cortex, which is critical for memory and decision-making.
  • Neuroscience studies show that cognition is a complex interplay of neural networks and chemical processes.
  • Different types of cognitive processes include perception, attention, and reasoning.

Literature

  • Cognition plays a vital role in storytelling, influencing how characters think and evolve throughout plots.
  • Many literary works explore the nature of human thought, portraying characters' inner cognitive struggles.
  • Authors like Virginia Woolf used stream of consciousness to represent complex cognitive processes.

Education

  • Cognitive theories inform teaching methods by emphasizing how students process and retain information.
  • Constructivism, a major educational theory, asserts that learners build knowledge through experience and exploration.
  • Metacognition, or 'thinking about thinking', enhances learning by encouraging self-awareness in students.

Origin of 'cognition'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'cognitio', which means 'knowledge or understanding'.
  • It is derived from 'cognoscere', meaning 'to know', showcasing the word's roots in knowledge.
  • Cognition has evolved through various adaptations in philosophy and psychology over centuries.

The word 'cognition' has its roots in the Latin word 'cognoscere', meaning 'to learn' or 'to know'. It entered the English language in the early 15th century, originally referring to the action or faculty of knowing. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of mental processes related to acquiring knowledge and understanding.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,695 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.