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adjective · C1

Cognitive

KOGN-uh-tiv/ˈkɒɡnətɪv/

Cognitive relates to thinking and mental processes: cognitive skills, cognitive load, cognitive bias. Mental is broader (mental health includes mood). Cognisant (already in the dictionary as cognizant) means aware. Cognition is the noun.

Meaning

Relating to thinking, knowing, and other mental processes.

Examples

  • “Age can affect cognitive skills such as memory.”
  • “The test measures cognitive flexibility, not just memory.”
  • “Sleep loss hits cognitive performance the next day.”

Good to know

cognitive + skills/load/bias. Broader: mental. Noun: cognition.

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