# cognizant

/ˈkɑɡnəzənt/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cognizant
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

aware of something or having knowledge about it. You use this when you want to sound more formal or professional.

For teachers: having knowledge or awareness of a particular fact or situation. Often used in formal or legal contexts to describe a state of being informed.

## Examples

- The manager is cognizant of the new safety rules.
- The board of directors must be cognizant of the risks involved before they approve the merger.
- A cognizant observer of the political landscape would recognize that the recent shift in public opinion was not a sudden change, but the result of years of subtle policy adjustments.

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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.