Cognitive Definition & Usage Examples

Meaning 1：relating to mental processes (cognitive)

cognitive 🔊

/ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv/

adj.

Related to the mental processes of thinking, learning, remembering, and understanding.

Cognitive thinking symbol with glowing brain icon over thoughtful reader

relating to mental processes 🔊

➕

/rɪˈleɪtɪŋ tə ˈmentl ˈprəʊsesɪz/

adj.

Related to the mental processes of thinking, learning, remembering, and understanding.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'cognoscere' (to know) + '-ive' (adjective suffix).

💡 Mnemonic

Cog (a gear) + nitive = mental gears turning.

📖 Example

Playing puzzle games regularly can enhance your cognitive functions, keeping your mind sharp as you age. 🔊 Playing puzzle games regularly can enhance your cognitive functions, keeping your mind sharp as you age.

🔗 Collocations

cognitive development – The growth of mental abilities over time

cognitive skills – Mental abilities used for learning and problem-solving

cognitive load – The amount of mental effort being used in working memory

🔄 Synonyms

mental (adj.) – Relating to the mind or mental processes

intellectual (adj.) – Relating to the intellect or rational thinking

cerebral (adj.) – Relating to the brain or intellectual activity

🚫 Antonyms

physical (adj.) – Relating to the body rather than the mind

emotional (adj.) – Relating to feelings and emotions rather than rational thought

🌱 Derivatives

cognition (n.) – The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding

cognitively (adv.) – In a manner relating to mental processes

cognitivist (n.) – A person who studies or advocates cognitive science or theory

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'cognoscere' (to know), 'cognitive' became prominent in 20th-century psychology with the cognitive revolution, emphasizing mental processes.