cognizance

cog·ni·zance  (kgn-zns)

n.

1. Conscious knowledge or recognition; awareness.

2. The range of what one can know or understand.

3. Observance; notice: We will take cognizance of your objections at the proper time.

4. Law Acknowledgment, recognition, or jurisdiction; the assumption of jurisdiction in a case.

5. Heraldry A crest or badge worn to distinguish the bearer.

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[Middle English conissaunce, from Old French conoissance, from connoistre, to know, from Latin cognscere, to learn; see cognition.]

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cognizance or cognisance

Noun

Formal

1. knowledge or understanding

2. take cognizance of to take notice of

3. the range or scope of knowledge or understanding [Latin cognoscere to learn]

cognizant
cognisant adj

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	cognizance - having knowledge of; "he had no awareness of his mistakes"; "his sudden consciousness of the problem he faced"; "their intelligence and general knowingness was impressive" awareness, cognisance, knowingness, consciousness self-awareness - awareness of your own individuality feel - an intuitive awareness; "he has a feel for animals" or "it's easy when you get the feel of it"; sense - a general conscious awareness; "a sense of security"; "a sense of happiness"; "a sense of danger"; "a sense of self" knowing - a clear and certain mental apprehension incognizance - a lack of knowledge or recognition
	2.	cognizance - range of what one can know or understand; "beyond my ken" ken knowing - a clear and certain mental apprehension
	3.	cognizance - range or scope of what is perceived perception - knowledge gained by perceiving; "a man admired for the depth of his perception"