HealthJuly 20, 2026

cognizance

/ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.zəns/

Definition

Knowledge, awareness, or conscious realization of something, often in a legal or formal capacity.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'connoissance,' meaning 'recognition' or 'knowledge,' which traces back to the Latin 'cognoscere,' meaning 'to learn' or 'to know.' It entered Middle English to denote judicial or formal notice.

In the news

While the word 'cognizance' does not appear explicitly in the article text, it is relevant to the mental health evaluations discussed, which determine whether a defendant has the required awareness to understand legal proceedings.

Accused Puna Killer Faces Mental Health Evaluation. Here’s What That Means

Read the full article ↗

Honolulu Civil Beat

Related words

arraignment

A formal court proceeding where a defendant is officially charged with a crime and asked…

Health

ectoderm

The outermost layer of an embryo in early development, which gives rise to both the skin…

Health

melanoma

A serious type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin.

Health

neurocosmetics

Topical skincare products formulated to influence the skin’s nervous and immune systems,…

Health

psychodermatology

A medical subfield that focuses on the complex, bidirectional relationship between skin…

Health

sebum

The oily substance produced by glands in the skin that acts as a natural lubricant and…

Health

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.