Word
cognitive
Phoneticscog·ni·tive, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑɡnɪtɪv/
UK/kˈɒɡnɪtˌɪv/
Definition
adj. related to the mental processes of thinking, understanding, and learning.
adj. relating to the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.
Examples
“Reading helps improve your cognitive skills.”
“The doctor performed several tests to check the patient's cognitive function after the head injury.”
“Research suggests that bilingualism may provide a cognitive reserve that delays the onset of symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.”
Examples
simple
“Reading helps improve your cognitive skills.”
contextual
“The doctor performed several tests to check the patient's cognitive function after the head injury.”
complex
“Research suggests that bilingualism may provide a cognitive reserve that delays the onset of symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cognitive” in context.
Adjective
01. cognitive procedure
“The researcher outlined each cognitive procedure involved in solving the complex puzzle.”
adj + noun
02. cognitive abilities
03. cognitive behavioral
04. cognitive decline
Usage
Commonly used in academic and medical contexts to describe brain function.
Teaching tip
While this is a technical term, it is very common in modern discussions about education, psychology, and health.
Real-World Examples
“This is a problem because reading has a wealth of cognitive benefits that we’re in danger of missing out on.” Etymology
From Medieval Latin cognitīvus, from Latin cognitus, perfect passive participle of cognōscō (“I get to know”) + -īvus (adjective suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/cognitive