cognizance

cog·ni·zance

noun \ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s\

Definition of COGNIZANCE

1

: a distinguishing mark or emblem (as a heraldic bearing)

2

a : knowledge, awareness <had no cognizance of the situation> b : notice, acknowledgment <take cognizance of their achievement>

3

: jurisdiction, responsibility

Examples of COGNIZANCE

1. They seemed to have no cognizance of the crime.
2. <take cognizance of what is happening>

Origin of COGNIZANCE

Middle English conisaunce, from Anglo-French conissance, from conoistre to know, from Latin cognoscere

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to COGNIZANCE

Synonyms: advertence, advertency, awareness, attention, consciousness, ear, eye, heed, knowledge, mindfulness, note, notice, observance, observation

Antonyms: unfamiliarity

Related Words: hyperawareness, hyperconsciousness; advisement, care, concern, consideration, regard, watch; apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind, perception, recognition, thought, understanding

Near Antonyms: disregard, neglect, obliviousness, unawareness

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