Having knowledge or awareness of something; being conscious or informed about a particular fact or situation. Usually followed by 'of' when indicating what one is aware of.
From Latin 'cognoscere' meaning 'to get to know,' from 'co-' (together) and 'gnoscere' (to know). The word entered English through legal terminology, emphasizing conscious knowledge rather than mere intuition.
Think 'recognize' - both have that 'cogn/gn' root meaning 'to know.' When you're cognizant of something, you've recognized it and are consciously aware of it, not just vaguely sensing it.
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