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cognizance

noun
cog·​ni·​zance | \ ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s How to pronounce cognizance (audio) \

Definition of cognizance

1 : a distinguishing mark or emblem (such as a heraldic bearing)
2a : knowledge, awareness had no cognizance of the situation
b : notice, acknowledgment take cognizance of their achievement
3 : jurisdiction, responsibility
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about cognizance

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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

 Caesar tries to force a Roman republic into a global hegemony without full cognizance of the inevitable blowback from centuries of republican government, and so predictably is assassinated by a dying generation of dreamy senators. — Victor Davis Hanson, New York Times, "When to Wage War, and How to Win: A Guide," 20 Apr. 2018 Taking cognizance of the shift change, companies must continue to innovate, invest in R&D, and continue to develop new technologies to thrive in today’s challenging landscape. — Rebecca Maitland, Houston Chronicle, "Engineering still sees great industry demand," 29 Apr. 2018 The scene is undeniably tender, but something in the couple’s eyes, cast down in cognizance, belies the presence of McGinley’s lens. — Adam Davidson, The New Yorker, "Ryan McGinley’s Exuberant Downtown, 1999–2003," 3 Mar. 2017 The cognizance, which many say is nothing new but is being talked about more frequently because of the national discussion on police shootings, has bred movements like Black Lives Matter and hashtag trends like #shoppingwhileblack. — Christine Hauser, New York Times, "‘I Won’t Be Silent’: Serena Williams on the Fear of Driving While Black," 28 Sep. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cognizance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of cognizance

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for cognizance

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

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More Definitions for cognizance

cognizance

noun
How to pronounce cognizance (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of cognizance

formal : knowledge or awareness of something

See the full definition for cognizance in the English Language Learners Dictionary

cognizance

noun
cog·​ni·​zance | \ ˈkäg-nə-zəns How to pronounce cognizance (audio) \

Legal Definition of cognizance

: jurisdiction

History and Etymology for cognizance

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

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