View synonyms for cognizance

cognizance

or cog·ni·sance

[ kog-nuh-zuhns, kon-uh- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

awareness, realization, or knowledge; notice; perception:
The guests took cognizance of the snide remark.
Synonyms: scrutiny, regard, attention, heed, note
Law.
1. judicial notice as taken by a court in dealing with a cause.
2. the right of taking jurisdiction, as possessed by a court.
3. acknowledgment; admission, as a plea admitting the fact alleged in the declaration.
the range or scope of knowledge, observation, etc.:
Such understanding is beyond his cognizance.
Heraldry. a device by which a person or a person's servants or property can be recognized; badge.

cognizance

/ ˈkɒnɪ-; ˈkɒɡnɪzəns /

noun

knowledge; acknowledgment
take cognizance of
take cognizance of to take notice of; acknowledge, esp officially
the range or scope of knowledge or perception
law
1. the right of a court to hear and determine a cause or matter
2. knowledge of certain facts upon which the court must act without requiring proof
3. confession
heraldry a distinguishing badge or bearing

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Other Words From

non·cogni·zance noun
self-cogni·zance noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cognizance¹

1250–1300; Middle English conisa ( u ) nce < Middle French con ( o ) is ( s ) ance, equivalent to conois ( tre ) to know (< Latin cognōscere; cognition ) + -ance -ance; forms with -g- (< Latin ) from the 16th century

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cognizance¹

C14: from Old French conoissance, from conoistre to know, from Latin cognōscere to learn; see cognition

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Example Sentences

He did not seem to take cognizance of the fact that we had a two weeks' board-bill to pay before we should get that far.

From Project Gutenberg

All that we know is that they existed from the remotest period of which we have cognizance, long before the pyramids were built.

From Project Gutenberg

Hesitatingly she came forward, and Houston's dulled mentality at last took cognizance that a hand was extended slightly.

From Project Gutenberg

Wherefore he prays judgment whether this court can or will take further cognizance of the action aforesaid.

From Project Gutenberg

But there are wrongs which are not punishable by the law, being too small and undefinable for its cognizance.

From Project Gutenberg

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