Cognitive: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.