cognizant

Etymology

cognizance +‎ -ant, or from Old French conoissant, present participle of conoistre (“know”), under the influence of its Latin etymon cognōscentem, accusative singular present participle of cōgnōscō (“learn, be acquainted with”).

Pronunciation

• enPR: 'kŏgnǐzənt, 'kŏnĭəzənt, IPA^(key): /ˈkɒɡnɪzənt/, /ˈkɒnɪzənt/
• Hyphenation: cog‧ni‧zant

Adjective

cognizant (comparative more cognizant, superlative most cognizant)

1. Aware; fully informed; having understanding of a fact

   The defendant is cognizant that this is a serious charge.

   • 1844, Edgar Allan Poe, “The Premature Burial”, in The Works of the Late Edgar Allan Poe, volume I, New York: J. S. Redfield, published 1850, page 336:

     And now the memory has so far regained its dominion, that, in some measure, I am cognizant of my state.

See also

• cognisant
• cognize