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

Another team invented a molecule that can boost electrical oscillations in the brain, improving memory and cognition in mice that were modified to have Alzheimer's. —New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2025

These changes particularly affected areas of the brain linked to social cognition; in the default mode network, linked to daydreaming, introspection and recalling memories; and in the frontoparietal network, linked to problem solving and decision-making. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

Peter Campus’s work emerged from his academic study of experimental psychology, and Bill’s work on his exhibition intensified his engagement with neurophysiology and the science of cognition. —David A. Ross, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2025

In a meta-analysis, DHA supplements improved cognition in some studies but had no effect in others. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025

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