The term “cognition” comes from the Latin word “cognitio,” which means “knowledge” or “recognition.” This is derived from the Latin roots “cognoscere” meaning “to know” and “-tion,” indicating a process or action.
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “*gno-” means “to know.”
2. Latin
From the PIE root, the Latin word “cognitio” developed, meaning “knowledge” or “recognition.” The verb “cognoscere” combines “co-” (together) and “gnoscere” (to know), meaning “to get to know” or “to recognize.”
3. Old French (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
The Latin term “cognitio” evolved into Old French “cognoissance,” meaning “knowledge” or “acquaintance.”
4. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old French “cognoissance” was adopted into Middle English as “cognisance,” meaning “knowledge” or “awareness.”
5. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “cognition” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, retaining the meaning of “the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.”
Phonetic Evolution
Over time, the pronunciation of “cognition” changed from “cognoissance” in Old French to “cognition” in Modern English.
Usage Examples
- “Cognition is often used to refer to mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension.”
- “Another example of ‘cognition’ in a sentence is ‘The study of cognition includes areas such as memory, perception, and problem-solving.'”
Cultural or Historical Notes
The development of the word “cognition” was significantly influenced by the rise of scientific inquiry and the study of the mind and behavior, which contributed to its current meaning and usage.
The word “cognition” reflects the act of knowing or understanding, emphasizing the importance of mental processes in human cognition and communication.