adjective

cognisant

KOG-nih-zuhnt

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Cognisant (adjective) means Aware of something, or having knowledge of it, especially something that ought to be taken into account. Example: “The board was fully cognisant of the risks before approving the loan.”

adjective

formal Aware of something, or having knowledge of it, especially something that ought to be taken into account.

"The board was fully cognisant of the risks before approving the loan."

"She was cognisant that any delay would cost them the contract."

law Having legal jurisdiction over a matter; competent to take judicial notice of it.

"The tribunal is cognisant of disputes arising under the treaty."

How to use cognisant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishKnowing about something, or keeping it in mind.

When to use it

Formal and slightly bureaucratic. Common in law, corporate reports and official statements; it can sound stiff in everyday speech.

Memory tip

Remember the preposition: you are cognisant OF something, never cognisant about it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cognizant → cognisance recognisant conversant →

Common pairings

fully cognisant cognisant of the risks cognisant of the fact that be made cognisant

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The board was fully _____ of the risks before approving the loan.

Etymology

From Old French conoissant, the present participle of conoistre, from Latin cognoscere 'to get to know', formed from co- 'together' and gnoscere 'to know'. The spelling with a g was restored later on the Latin model.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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aware conscious mindful apprised alive to cognizant

Antonyms

unaware oblivious ignorant

Related words

stupid learned aware knowing familiar studied informed sensitive

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between cognisant and cognizant?

There is no difference in meaning — they are the same word. Cognisant is the British spelling and cognizant is the American one, though the z spelling is also common in British writing and is the older form.

Is cognisant the same as aware?

They mean much the same thing, but cognisant is markedly more formal and is typical of legal, official and business writing. If you can say aware without sounding out of place, aware is usually the better choice.

How do you use cognisant in a sentence?

It is normally followed by of or by a that-clause: 'cognisant of the danger' or 'cognisant that funds were low'. It is rarely used before a noun, so you would not say 'a cognisant manager'.

What is the meaning of cognisant?

"cognisant" (adjective) means aware of something, or having knowledge of it, especially something that ought to be taken into account.

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stupid learned aware knowing familiar studied informed sensitive