cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈni-shən 

: cognitive mental processes

A concussion impaired the patient's cognition.

also : a product of these processes

cognitional

käg-ˈnish-nəl 

-ˈni-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of cognition in a Sentence

disabilities affecting cognition and judgment

Recent Examples on the Web

How to Trick a Bird (Knowable) by Betsy Mason Stage magic depends on exploiting quirks of human cognition. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 31 Dec. 2024

Even a walk in the woods—a practice known as shinrin–yoku or forest bathing in Japan—has been proven to lower stress hormones, decrease blood pressure, and improve cognition. —Richard E. Cytowic, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024

But yes, that type of cognition uses a particular level of energy, and may only be needed for certain higher-level workloads. —John Werner, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Between the lines: Reading not only improves cognition, but also self-esteem and empathy when finding stories both similar and dissimilar to our own, studies show. —Marina E. Franco (noticias Telemundo For Axios), Axios, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cognicioun "comprehension, ability to comprehend," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French cognicion "knowledge, jurisdiction," borrowed from Latin cognitiōn-, cognitiō "act of getting to know, comprehension, investigation," from cogni-, variant stem of cognōscere "to get to know, acquire knowledge of, become acquainted with, investigate" (from co- co- + gnōscere, nōscere "to get to know," inchoative derivative from Indo-European *ǵneh₃-, *ǵṇh₃- "to know, recognize") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at know entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən 

: the act or process of knowing

Medical Definition

cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən 

1

: cognitive mental processes

2

: a conscious intellectual act

conflict between cognitions