Cognizance: meaning, definitions and examples

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cognizance

[ˈkɒɡnɪzəns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal term

Cognizance refers to the action or capability of perceiving or recognizing something. It can also mean awareness or knowledge.

Synonyms

awareness, knowledge, perception.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cognizance	Formal or legal contexts where recognizing or acknowledging the existence of specific facts or information is important. The court took cognizance of the new evidence presented by the defense The company had no cognizance of the employee’s background before hiring him
awareness	Everyday situations where recognizing or understanding a particular situation, fact, or task is essential. She raised awareness about the environmental issues in her community Increasing public awareness of healthy eating is crucial
perception	Situations that involve the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses, or a particular way of understanding or interpreting something. Her perception of the painting was different from his The perception of time varies from person to person
knowledge	Situations that involve having information, skills, or understanding about a subject, acquired through education or experience. His knowledge of mathematics is impressive She shared her extensive knowledge of gardening with the group

Examples of usage

He had no cognizance of the situation.
She showed a remarkable cognizance of the issues at hand.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

formal usage

In a formal sense, cognizance can refer to judicial or legal knowledge or jurisdiction.

Synonyms

awareness, jurisdiction, knowledge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cognizance	Use when referring to formal awareness or notice, especially in legal or official settings. The court took cognizance of the new evidence. The police acted with full cognizance of the law.
jurisdiction	Use when referring to the official power to make legal decisions and judgments, typically in a legal or governmental context. The crime falls under federal jurisdiction. The local courts have jurisdiction over minor criminal cases.
knowledge	Use for familiarity, understanding, or skill that comes from experience or education. It covers a broad range of contexts from everyday to specialized topics. Her knowledge of history is impressive. He has extensive knowledge about computer programming.
awareness	Use for general understanding or realization of a situation, often in everyday contexts. It can also refer to public or personal enlightenment about specific issues. Her awareness of environmental issues is commendable. He raised awareness about mental health through his social media accounts.

Examples of usage

The court took cognizance of the matter.
The judge's cognizance of the law was evident in the ruling.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'cognizance' comes from the Latin word 'cognoscere,' which means 'to know.'
It has been used in English since the 14th century, initially related to the concept of legal awareness.
Cognizance has evolved over time, expanding from a legal context to a broader application in psychology and philosophy.

Psychology

In psychology, cognizance refers to awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, and environment, which is vital for mental health.
Being in a state of cognizance helps individuals process experiences and make informed decisions.
Mindfulness practices often aim to enhance an individual's cognizance of their surroundings and inner self.

Cultural Insight

Different cultures emphasize various aspects of cognizance, often linking it to spiritual or conscious awakening.
In many indigenous cultures, heightened cognizance of nature and its cycles is vital for living harmoniously with the environment.
Eastern philosophies, like Buddhism, prioritize cognizance as essential for attaining enlightenment and inner peace.

Law

In legal terms, cognizance refers to a court's awareness of a case or the authority to make judgments about particular matters.
Judges are expected to take cognizance of relevant laws and precedents when making decisions.
The concept also plays a role in establishing liability, where understanding the situation can determine culpability.

Literature

In literature, characters often confront their level of cognizance as they undergo personal growth and transformation.
Classic works explore themes of self-awareness, with protagonists gaining cognizance about their decisions and their impact on others.
The term also appears as a motif in poetry, where it reflects deeper understandings of existence and experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "cognizance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conhecimento

🇮🇳 ज्ञान

🇩🇪 Kenntnis

🇮🇩 pengetahuan

🇺🇦 знання

🇵🇱 wiedza

🇯🇵 知識 (ちしき)

🇫🇷 connaissance

🇪🇸 conocimiento

🇹🇷 bilgi

🇰🇷 지식 (지식)

🇸🇦 معرفة

🇨🇿 znalost

🇸🇰 poznanie

🇨🇳 知识 (zhīshì)

🇸🇮 znanje

🇮🇸 þekking

🇰🇿 білім

🇬🇪 ცოდნა

🇦🇿 bilgi

🇲🇽 conocimiento

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,370, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13367 adventurous
13368 interspersed
13369 teasing
13370 cognizance
13371 novice
13372 devastated
13373 hovering
...