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-ˈni-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of cognition in a Sentence

disabilities affecting cognition and judgment

Recent Examples on the Web

But their ability to mimic us—in part due to the human feedback in their training—has inspired scientists and researchers to ask questions about our cognition and further probe how our minds work. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 Nov. 2025

Niotis said relieving these symptoms may help improve cognition, as people who sleep better have improved mood and tend to think more clearly. —Akshay Syal, NBC news, 27 Nov. 2025

Of course, several neurocognitive features of sleep discussed earlier differentiate dreaming from waking cognition. —Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025

In subsequent research, Maki found that hormone therapy may improve cognition — but only in women experiencing the most severe symptoms. —Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 23 Nov. 2025

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

Rhymes for cognition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition
• dismission

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