cognizance
Definitions
Knowledge, awareness, or notice of something (often formal).
认识，知悉，察知
The range of what one knows about or is responsible for; jurisdiction.
认知范围；（法律上的）受理权，管辖范围
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcogn (know) + -izance (state, from -ance) = 'the state of knowing.' Built straight on Latin cognōscere 'to know thoroughly,' cognizance is your awareness of something. It lives mostly in formal phrases like 'take cognizance of' (officially notice) and legal 'within the court's cognizance' (within its authority to know and judge).
Root cog still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
- Formal awareness (formal/literary): take cognizance of the new rules — officially notice or consider them
- Legal jurisdiction (technical): the case falls within the court's cognizance — its authority to hear it
- Beyond one's knowledge (formal): that matter is beyond my cognizance — outside what I know or handle
Note: in everyday English, 'awareness' or 'notice' is far more natural; cognizance signals a formal or legal register.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The committee took cognizance of the residents' complaints before deciding.
- 2.
Such disputes fall outside the cognizance of this tribunal.
- 3.
He had no cognizance of the changes made in his absence.