cognizant
Cognizant (adjective) means Aware of something and taking it into account. Example: “The board is fully cognizant of the reputational risk.”
How to Use Cognizant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKnowing about something and keeping it in mind.
Formal and slightly bureaucratic; aware is the natural everyday choice. British writers also spell it cognisant.
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 ↓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.
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.