cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈni-shən 

: cognitive mental processes

A concussion impaired the patient's cognition.

also : a product of these processes

cognitional

käg-ˈnish-nəl 

-ˈni-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of cognition in a Sentence

disabilities affecting cognition and judgment

Recent Examples on the Web

To get a better grasp of vocal learning and cognition, the study authors turned to songbirds. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Popular Science, 14 Sep. 2023

Pay attention to any changes in mood, cognition, or physical sensations. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2023

Adrafinil: effects on behavior and cognition in aged canines. —The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Aug. 2023

Research teams are looking at changes to lung function, cognition, and gene expression after smoke exposure and potential impacts on developing fetuses and infants, efforts that have taken on new urgency with recent events. —Megan Molteni, STAT, 31 July 2023

Research has shown that reading encouraging expressions can have positive mental effects and can improve cognition and mental performance. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 10 July 2023

The study, the researchers say, confirmed previous research showing that cats are susceptible to visual illusions, which adds to the growing but still relatively meager body of research on cat cognition. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2023

All of these changes have the potential to affect cognition and mental health. —Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2023

New research found that shift work—like working nights—may negatively impact someone’s cognition and memory.1 This is largely due to the misalignment of the body’s internal clock and circadian disruptions that occur with irregular sleep schedules. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 25 Aug. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cognicioun "comprehension, ability to comprehend," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French cognicion "knowledge, jurisdiction," borrowed from Latin cognitiōn-, cognitiō "act of getting to know, comprehension, investigation," from cogni-, variant stem of cognōscere "to get to know, acquire knowledge of, become acquainted with, investigate" (from co- co- + gnōscere, nōscere "to get to know," inchoative derivative from Indo-European *ǵneh₃-, *ǵṇh₃- "to know, recognize") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at know entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən 

: the act or process of knowing

Medical Definition

cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən 

1

: cognitive mental processes

2

: a conscious intellectual act

conflict between cognitions