adjective
cognizant
KOG-ni-zunt
Cognizant (adjective) means Aware of something and taking it into account. Example: “The board is fully cognizant of the reputational risk.”
adjective
1
Aware of something and taking it into account.
"The board is fully cognizant of the reputational risk."
"Planners must be cognizant of how the site floods in winter."
How to use cognizant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKnowing about something and keeping it in mind.
When to use it
Formal and slightly bureaucratic; aware is the natural everyday choice. British writers also spell it cognisant.
Memory tip
It is nearly always followed by of, or occasionally by that plus a clause; do not use it before a noun.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
cognizant of
fully cognizant
remain cognizant
be cognizant that
keenly cognizant
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The board is fully _____ of the reputational risk.
Etymology
Via Old French conoissant from Latin cognoscere meaning to get to know, from co- and gnoscere to know.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between cognizant and aware?
They mean much the same thing, but cognizant is markedly more formal and suggests the awareness is being actively factored into a decision. In ordinary speech aware is almost always the better word.
Is it cognizant or cognisant?
Both are correct. Cognizant is standard in American English and common internationally, while cognisant is the traditional British spelling. Neither changes the meaning.
Can you say a cognizant person?
It is unusual. Cognizant normally follows the verb and takes of, as in she was cognizant of the delay, rather than sitting in front of a noun.
What is the meaning of cognizant?
"cognizant" (adjective) means aware of something and taking it into account.
