cognizance
UK: ˈkɒɡnɪzəns | US: ˈkɑːɡnɪzəns
n. knowledge or awareness of something
n. (Law) the action of taking judicial notice of a fact
cognizance = cogni<know> + zance<noun suffix>
- cogni: From Latin cognoscere ("to know"), derived from co- (intensive) + gnoscere ("to learn, recognize").
- zance: A variant of the suffix -ance, indicating a state or quality (e.g., "importance").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin cognoscere, combining co- (thoroughly) and gnoscere (to know). Over time, it evolved into Old French conoisance ("knowledge"), later anglicized to "cognizance." The suffix -ance solidified its noun form, emphasizing a state of awareness. The term retains its legal nuance from medieval Latin, where it denoted formal acknowledgment.
The court took cognizance of the new evidence.
She had no cognizance of the risks involved.
His cognizance of cultural differences made him an effective diplomat.
The committee acted without full cognizance of the facts.
The law requires cognizance of local customs.