cognizance

noun cog·ni·zance \ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s\

: knowledge or awareness of something

Full Definition of COGNIZANCE

: a distinguishing mark or emblem (as a heraldic bearing)

a : knowledge, awareness <had no cognizance of the situation>

b : notice, acknowledgment <take cognizance of their achievement>

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Middle English conisaunce, from Anglo-French conissance, from conoistre to know, from Latin cognoscere

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonyms: advertence, advertency, awareness, attention, consciousness, ear, eye, heed, knowledge, mindfulness, note, notice, observance, observation

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