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-ˈni-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of cognition in a Sentence

disabilities affecting cognition and judgment

Recent Examples on the Web

The results highlight an important boundary in early social cognition and offer insight into how infants distinguish between human and artificial agents. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026

The analysis found consistent, statistically significant correlations between need for cognition and fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence and general intelligence. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

How Nootropics Differ from Adaptogens Nootropics are substances used to support cognition and brain health — memory, learning, focus, mood and mental energy. —Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026

This process flags up under-performing functions from posture and heart health to fat-burning efficiency and cognition levels. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

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

Rhymes for cognition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition
• dismission

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