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Cognitive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cognitive

[ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

mental process

Relating to the mental process of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning.

Synonyms

cerebral, intellectual, mental.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cognitive

Typically used in scientific or academic discussions related to mental processes such as perception, memory, and reasoning.

  • Researchers are studying the cognitive development of children.
  • Cognitive therapy can help manage depression.
mental

A general term that refers to anything related to the mind. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including health, stress, and capabilities.

  • She has a strong mental ability to solve complex problems.
  • Mental health is just as important as physical health.
intellectual

Commonly used to describe people or activities that involve deep thinking and reasoning. It can be neutral or sometimes carry a positive connotation if referring to someone respected for their intelligence.

  • He is known for his intellectual contributions to philosophy.
  • The debate was highly intellectual and engaging.
cerebral

Often used in more formal or literary contexts to describe intellectual activities or anything related to the brain.

  • The book is quite cerebral and requires deep thinking.
  • She enjoys cerebral pursuits such as puzzles and chess.

Examples of usage

  • Cognitive development is crucial for children.
  • She has strong cognitive abilities.
  • Our cognitive functions can be influenced by external factors.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

Synonyms

cognition, perception, understanding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cognitive

This word is often used in academic or scientific contexts to describe processes related to thinking, learning, and understanding. It can be used when talking about brain functions, mental activities, or psychological studies.

  • Cognitive development in children is crucial for their future learning abilities.
  • The study focused on the cognitive processes involved in decision making.
cognition

This term is typically used in psychology and neuroscience to refer to the mental processes of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

  • Her research explored various aspects of cognition and how they change with age.
  • Memory and cognition are often affected by brain injuries.
perception

This word is used to describe the way people see, hear, and understand the world around them. It deals with sensory experiences and how we interpret them. It can also refer to someone's opinion or point of view.

  • Her perception of the situation was influenced by her previous experiences.
  • The optical illusion demonstrates how our perception can be easily tricked.
understanding

This is a more general term used in everyday language to describe the act of comprehending or grasping something. It can be applied to knowledge, people, situations, or concepts.

  • His understanding of math concepts improved after several tutoring sessions.
  • A good teacher needs to have an understanding of their students' needs.

Examples of usage

  • Cognitive psychology focuses on how people acquire, process, and store information.
  • Her cognitive skills have greatly improved over time.

Translations

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

Origin of 'cognitive'

The word 'cognitive' originates from the Latin word 'cognoscere', meaning 'to learn' or 'to know'. It first appeared in English in the early 16th century with the general meaning 'knowing' or 'perceiving'. Over time, its usage evolved to specifically refer to mental processes related to acquiring knowledge and understanding. Today, 'cognitive' is commonly used in psychology and neuroscience to describe various mental functions and processes.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,855, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.