WordGarden.iocognizance
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈkɒnɪzəns/countableuncountablenoun
US
- /ˈkɑɡnəzəns/
Meanings
Noun
awareness or knowledge of something
a court's legal authority or official notice of a matter
Beyond the definition
Cognizance isn't just knowing something; it's being fully aware of it. Imagine a detective piecing together clues – they don't just collect facts; they build a clear picture of how everything connects. It suggests a deeper level of awareness than simple knowledge. You might be aware of the risks in an activity, or a company might be aware of its environmental impact. It's about being fully aware and attentive.
Cognizance means being aware of something – not just knowing it exists, but understanding and noticing what it means. It's a more active kind of awareness than simply holding information; it means having a real grasp of facts, feelings, or situations.
Think of a seasoned sailor reading the weather. They don't just know there are clouds; they have cognizance of how those clouds will affect the sea and their journey – understanding the subtle signs and anticipating what's to come.
The word often appears in formal contexts, especially around legal or ethical responsibilities. For example, a company might be held accountable if it was proven that it was cognizant of a real danger but failed to act. It can also describe personal awareness: "She became cognizant of her own biases," meaning she recognized and understood them.
Cognizance isn't always about grand revelations. It can be as simple as being fully present in the moment, aware of your surroundings and your own thoughts. It's a state of mindful understanding that goes beyond mere knowledge – it's knowing you know, and grasping the implications of what you know.
Examples
- 1
Policy decisions
The new policy takes cognizance of the fact that many employees now work from home.
- Phrasetake cognizance of
formally notice and consider
- 2
Risk awareness
She signed the agreement with full cognizance of the risks involved.
- Phrasewith full cognizance of
fully aware of
- 3
Official notice
Once the complaint was brought to the director's cognizance, the issue was dealt with quickly.
- Phrasebrought to someone's cognizance
made known to someone in an official way
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- ignorance
- obliviousness
Used with (collocations)
- take cognizance of
- have cognizance of
- within one's cognizance
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- cognizancenoun