cognitive development

Meanings

1. 1noununcountabletechnical

   The growth of a person's thinking, reasoning, and understanding, especially in childhood.

   Grammar: Used without an article; no plural form is standard.

   Patterns

   • cognitive development in children
   • stages of cognitive development
   • promote cognitive development

   Play is important for cognitive development in young children.

   Piaget studied the stages of cognitive development.

   Reading to children can promote cognitive development.

2. 2noununcountabletechnical

   The process by which mental abilities such as memory and problem-solving develop over time.

   Grammar: Often used with 'early', 'normal', or 'delayed'.

   Patterns

   • early cognitive development
   • delayed cognitive development
   • cognitive development occurs

   Early cognitive development sets the foundation for later learning.

   Delayed cognitive development may require special support.

   Cognitive development continues into adolescence.

Common combinations

stages of cognitive development

The stages of cognitive development were described by Jean Piaget.

promote cognitive development

Interactive games can promote cognitive development.

cognitive development in early childhood

Cognitive development in early childhood is rapid.

delay in cognitive development

A delay in cognitive development may be noticed by parents.

Synonyms and how they differ

intellectual development

Similar, but often focuses more on formal learning and reasoning skills.

mental development

Broader; can include emotional and social aspects of mental growth.

Opposites

Word family

cognition noun

The mental processes of knowing and understanding.

cognitive adjective

Relating to thinking and understanding.

develop verb

To grow or cause to grow.

Commonly confused: cognitive development or cognitive decline?

Practice

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