Cognizant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cognizant

[หˆkษ’ษกnษชz(ษ™)nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

being aware of something

Having knowledge or awareness of something; mindful.

Synonyms

aware, conscious, mindful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cognizant

Cognizant is often used in formal or professional settings to indicate awareness or understanding of something, especially when it comes to specific facts or situations.

  • She was cognizant of the challenges ahead.
  • The board members need to be cognizant of the financial risks.
aware

Aware is a common and general term used to describe someone's knowledge or perception of a situation, fact, or condition. It is versatile and can be used in everyday conversations as well as formal settings.

  • I wasn't aware of the new rules.
  • She is fully aware of the consequences.
conscious

Conscious is used to describe a state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings, thoughts, or emotions. It can also imply a deliberate or intentional focus on something.

  • He was conscious during the entire procedure.
  • She is conscious of how her actions affect others.
mindful

Mindful is often used in contexts related to being attentive, considerate, or thoughtful, particularly in relation to being aware of someone's feelings or needs, or in mindfulness practices like meditation.

  • She is always mindful of her friends' feelings.
  • Meditation helps me stay mindful and focused.

Examples of usage

  • He is cognizant of the risks involved in the project.
  • She remained cognizant of her surroundings at all times.
Context #2 | Adjective

having knowledge or understanding

Having knowledge or understanding; informed.

Synonyms

informed, knowledgeable, learned.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cognizant

Use this word in formal settings, often in legal or official contexts, to indicate awareness or understanding of something specific.

  • The company is cognizant of the new regulations and is working to comply
  • She is fully cognizant of the responsibilities that come with the position
knowledgeable

This word is used to describe someone who has a wide range of information, especially in a specific field or subject.

  • She is very knowledgeable about computer programming
  • They hired a knowledgeable guide for their tour around the city
informed

Use this word to describe someone who has received information about a certain topic, suggesting they have up-to-date knowledge.

  • The voters need to be well-informed to make the best decision
  • He informed me about the changes in the schedule
learned

This term is often used in formal or academic settings to describe someone who is highly educated or scholarly.

  • The professor is a learned individual who has published numerous papers
  • His learned opinions are highly respected in the academic community

Examples of usage

  • The employees are cognizant of the company's policies.
  • She is cognizant of the latest developments in the field.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being cognizant helps in decision-making as it allows people to weigh options based on their knowledge.
  • 'Metacognition' refers to being aware of oneโ€™s own thinking processes, a step beyond being merely cognizant.
  • Research shows that individuals who are cognizant of their emotions and thoughts can better manage stress.

Law

  • In legal contexts, being cognizant of laws and regulations is critical for compliance and ethical behavior.
  • Judges often assess whether a party was cognizant of their rights before making decisions in court.
  • Cognizant awareness can affect the outcome in cases involving consent, where knowledge is crucial.

Culture

  • Various cultures view awareness and mindfulness as essential components of well-being.
  • In mindfulness practices, being cognizant of one's surroundings and thoughts is fundamental to achieving inner peace.
  • Cognizance in social issues can lead to advocacy and activism, promoting awareness of injustices.

Origin of 'cognizant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin verb 'cognoscere', which means 'to know or get to know'.
  • It evolved through the Old French 'co(n)gnoissans', reflecting how knowledge has been valued throughout history.
  • In English, 'cognizant' began being used in the 17th century, highlighting the growing importance of awareness.

The word 'cognizant' originated from the Latin word 'cognoscere', which means 'to know'. It entered the English language in the 19th century. Over time, 'cognizant' has evolved to represent not just knowledge or awareness, but also understanding and mindfulness in various contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,917, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.