Cognition
/kɒɡˈnɪʃ.ən/noun
The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, cognition was linked to augury, with knowledge seen as a divine gift, allowing practitioners to interpret signs and omens.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gno-
“to know, recognize, or perceive.”
Latin
Latin
cognitio
“knowledge, a getting to know, acquaintance.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
cognitio
“act of knowing, understanding.”
14th Century
Middle English
cogni(c)ioun
“the act of knowing or understanding.”
Modern English
English
cognition
“the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding.”
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