cognitive

adjective

cog·​ni·​tive ˈkäg-nə-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, being, or involving conscious intellectual activity (such as thinking, reasoning, or remembering)

cognitive impairment

cognitive tests

2

philosophy : based on or capable of being reduced to empirical factual knowledge

cognitively adverb

Examples of cognitive in a Sentence

The best toys for toddlers engage their interests while developing their fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, and social skills. —Ashley Ziegler and Katrina Cossey, Parents, 12 Nov. 2024

Homo sapiens' survival is founded in their filling an evolutionary niche referred to as the cognitive niche. —Daniel Grassam, Skeptical Inquirer, July/August 2001

Researchers are debating whether heading balls can dent the cognitive skills of young soccer players for life. —Lisa McLaughlin, Time, 5 June 2000

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, humor activates the brain’s reward system, strengthening learning and emotional regulation, while fostering social connections that are crucial for long-term cognitive resilience. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 11 Dec. 2024

Studies show that people who follow diets rich in garlic have lower rates of cognitive decline and impairment. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 Dec. 2024

In Martina Witter, health and wellbeing consultant and child and adult cognitive behaviour therapist at Rapha Therapy and Training Services, shared her insight with Newsweek. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

These demands require not only sharp cognitive abilities but also emotional intelligence. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin cognitīvus "concerned with knowing," from Latin cognitus, past participle of cognōscere "to get to know, acquire knowledge of" + -īvus -ive — more at cognition

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cognitive

• cognitive behavioral therapy
• cognitive behavior therapy
• cognitive dissonance
• cognitive science
• cognitive therapy

Kids Definition

cognitive

adjective

cog·​ni·​tive ˈkäg-nət-iv 

: of, relating to, or being conscious mental activities (as thinking, reasoning, remembering, imagining, learning words, and using language)

Medical Definition

cognitive

adjective

cog·​ni·​tive ˈkäg-nət-iv 

: of, relating to, or being conscious intellectual activity (as thinking, reasoning, remembering, imagining, or learning words)

the cognitive elements of perception

—C. H. Hamburg

cognitively adverb