cognizance

noun

cog·​ni·​zance ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s 

1

: a distinguishing mark or emblem (such 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

Synonyms

• awareness
• attention
• mindfulness
• consciousness

Examples of cognizance in a Sentence

They seemed to have no cognizance of the crime.

take cognizance of what is happening

Recent Examples on the Web

Even, hoping against hope, if there were such an acceptance of the president’s plan, mere cognizance of history and current realities in the Middle East surely leads us to doubts that the peace could hold. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 Oct. 2025

In 2016, Deloitte coined the six signature traits of inclusive leadership: cognizance or self-awareness, curiosity, cultural intelligence, commitment, courage, and collaboration. —Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025

The two Democrats, Needleman of Essex and Steinberg of Westport, are co-chairman of the Legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, which has cognizance over PURA. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2025

Given his compassionate cognizance of money management, Dr. Michels and the entire Michels Family Financial crew push to distinguish their offerings to clients. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 26 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cognisaunce, latinization (after cognōscere and its derivatives) of conissaunce, conoisance "knowledge, understanding, distinguishing mark (as on a shield)," borrowed from Anglo-French conoisance, conisance, from conisant, conoissant "aware, mindful" (from present participle of conoistre "to know, be aware of," going back to Latin cognōscere "to get to know, acquire knowledge of") + -ance -ance — more at cognition

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cognizance

• take cognizance of

Kids Definition

cognizance

noun

cog·​ni·​zance ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s 

1

: particular knowledge

had no cognizance of the crime

2

: the act or power of fixing one's mind on something : notice, heed

take cognizance of what is happening

3

: jurisdiction sense 1, responsibility

cognizant

-zənt

adjective

Legal Definition

cognizance

noun

cog·​ni·​zance ˈkäg-nə-zəns 

: jurisdiction

Etymology

Old French connoissance right to acknowledge and adjudicate issues, literally, knowledge, acquaintance, from connoistre to be acquainted with