cognizant
Having knowledge or awareness of something
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to be cognizant of cultural differences when expanding to Asian markets.”
Over coffee
“I'm cognizant of how my words affect people, so I try to be careful.”
Why this word
aware
Cognizant is more formal and implies conscious, deliberate awareness
conscious
Cognizant suggests fuller knowledge and recognition of implications, not just awareness of existence
mindful
Cognizant emphasizes having knowledge of facts, while mindful focuses on attentive awareness
Usage tip
Use to emphasize conscious awareness or informed understanding of a situation
Etymology
Latin 'cognoscere' (to get to know), from 'co-' (with) + 'gnoscere' (to know)
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Related words
visualize
To form a mental picture or create a visual representation
comprehension
The ability to understand the meaning or importance of something
decipher
To figure out or understand something difficult or unclear
grasp
To fully understand a concept or idea
clarification
An explanation that makes something clearer
perspective
A particular way of viewing or thinking about something