Meaning & use

cognition

noun·Academic

The mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

See it in a sentence

Researchers study how sleep affects memory and other aspects of cognition.

Early childhood cognition develops rapidly as toddlers learn language and cause and effect.

A note on using this word

Cognition covers processes like reasoning and memory, distinct from emotion or physical action.

Words with a similar meaning

thinkingperception

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