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

Key factors include regular exercise, following a healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet, getting adequate sleep, engaging in social and cognitive activities. —Mill Etienne, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

Specifically, there is neuroscience biohacking billed to enhance cognitive fitness, the reduction of inflammation markers and free radicals, as well as anti-inflammatory nutrition said to rejuvenate biological age. —Emily Burns, Footwear News, 24 May 2025

Clinicians typically conduct various cognitive exams and health history reviews. —Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025

Confusion or cognitive changes: Confusion and other changes in your cognition are often hallmark symptoms of stroke or dementia. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 23 May 2025

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

Rhymes for cognitive

• neurocognitive

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