ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cognitive

adj.
US //ˈkɑɡnɪtɪv// UK //kˈɒɡnɪtˌɪv// cog·ni·tive
  1. 1 mental processes (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

    related to the mental processes of thinking, understanding, and learning.

    relating to the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

    Example

    The doctor tested the patient's cognitive skills after the head injury.

    Example

    Researchers are investigating how sleep deprivation affects cognitive performance, specifically focusing on memory retention and logical reasoning tasks.

    Usage

    Commonly used in academic and medical contexts to describe brain function.

    Teacher's tip

    While this is a technical term, it is very common in modern discussions about education, psychology, and health.

Origin

From Medieval Latin cognitīvus, from Latin cognitus, perfect passive participle of cognōscō (“I get to know”) + -īvus (adjective suffix).

© 2026 English Reference