Reading Theme:
Cognition: Definition, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：the mental process of knowing (cognition)
cognition
/kɒɡˈnɪʃən/
n.
The process of thinking, learning, and understanding things.
the mental process of knowing
➕
/ðə ˈmɛntəl ˈprɑsɛs ʌv ˈnoʊɪŋ/
n.
The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'cognoscere' (to know): 'co-' (together) + 'gnoscere' (to know).
💡 Mnemonic
Cog (gear) + nition (knowledge) = the mental gears turning to produce knowledge.
📖 Example
Playing puzzles can stimulate a child's cognition and problem-solving skills.
Playing puzzles can stimulate a child's cognition and problem-solving skills.
🔗 Collocations
cognitive development – the growth of thinking and reasoning abilities
cognitive process – a mental action such as perception or memory
cognitive science – the interdisciplinary study of mind and intelligence
🔄 Synonyms
thinking (n.) – the activity of using one's mind to consider something
reasoning (n.) – the process of forming conclusions or judgments
understanding (n.) – the ability to comprehend or grasp ideas
🚫 Antonyms
ignorance (n.) – lack of knowledge or awareness
stupidity (n.) – lack of intelligence or common sense
unawareness (n.) – the state of not knowing or noticing
🌱 Derivatives
cognitive (adj.) – relating to the mental process of knowing
cognitional (adj.) – of or relating to cognition
cognize (v.) – to become aware of or know something
📖 Cultural Story
Cognition entered English in the 15th century via Latin 'cognitio'. It became central to psychology and neuroscience in the 20th century, defining the study of mental processes like perception, memory, and reasoning.
Meaning 2：the ability to think and learn (cognition)
cognition
/kɒɡˈnɪʃən/
n.
A person's ability to think, learn, and understand.
the ability to think and learn
➕
/ði əˈbɪləti tu θɪŋk ænd lɜrn/
n.
A person's capacity for thinking, learning, reasoning, and acquiring knowledge.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Regular exercise has been proven to benefit both physical health and cognition.
Regular exercise has been proven to benefit both physical health and cognition.
🔗 Collocations
impaired cognition – reduced ability to think or understand
cognition training – exercises to improve mental abilities
social cognition – the ability to understand social interactions
🔄 Synonyms
intellect (n.) – the faculty of reasoning and understanding
mental capacity (n.) – the power of the mind to learn and comprehend
brainpower (n.) – intellectual ability or intelligence
🚫 Antonyms
dementia (n.) – a condition of impaired cognitive function
mental decline (n.) – a deterioration of thinking abilities
feeblemindedness (n.) – lack of intelligence or mental strength
🌱 Derivatives
cognitively (adv.) – in a manner relating to mental processes
precognition (n.) – knowledge of future events (paranormal)
cognitivism (n.) – a theory emphasizing mental processes in learning
Wordbook
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