# cognitive

/ˈkɑɡnɪtɪv/ (US) · /kˈɒɡnɪtˌɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cognitive
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. mental processes

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

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

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

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

## 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.