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

Using studies about lead exposure in modern society, the researchers were able to determine how much lead most likely ended up in Romans’ bloodstreams and the effects that would have had on their cognition. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 7 Jan. 2025

People who practice Pilates have reported improved moods and cognition. —Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 3 Jan. 2025

Another common concern is fluoride’s impact on children’s cognition. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

In 2021, Medicare increased reimbursement for cognitive (i.e. non-procedural) services while simultaneously reducing payment for procedural interventions (which, to be clear, often involve substantial cognition). —Peter Ubel, Forbes, 11 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