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Definition of cognizance noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

cognizance

noun
 
/ˈkɒɡnɪzəns/
 
/ˈkɑːɡnɪzəns/
(British English also cognisance)
[uncountable] (formal)Idioms
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  1. knowledge or understanding of something
    Word OriginMiddle English conisance, from Old French conoisance, based on Latin cognoscere ‘get to know’. The spelling with g, influenced by Latin, arose in the 15th cent. and gradually affected the pronunciation.
Idioms
take cognizance of something
  1. (law) to understand or consider something; to take notice of something
    • In the light of the new evidence that the court can now take cognizance of, the case is dropped.
See cognizance in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
Check pronunciation: cognizance

Nearby words

pity
noun
 
 
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