cognizant

Cognizant is an English adjective meaning having knowledge or awareness of something. It is commonly used with of, as in cognizant of the risks, or with that, as in cognizant that the plan may fail. The term implies active awareness rather than mere familiarity.

Etymology and spelling variations: cognizant derives from the Latin cognoscere, meaning to know. In English, the word has two common spellings: cognizant (American usage) and cognisant (British usage). Both forms are widely accepted, with the variant preference often determined by regional style guides.

Usage notes: cognizant tends to appear in formal or professional writing and is frequently found in legal, policy, or analytical contexts. It is related to the noun cognizance, meaning knowledge or awareness, as in “to take cognizance of” something. While similar in meaning to conscious or aware, cognizant carries a precise connotation of informed awareness about a particular matter.

Cognizant Technology Solutions: Cognizant is also the name of a major multinational information technology services company commonly referred to simply as Cognizant. The company originated in the 1990s as a spin-off from Dun & Bradstreet and has grown into a global provider of IT services, including digital, consulting, and technology operations. It is publicly traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker CTSH and is regarded as one of the largest firms in its sector.

See also: cognizance, cognisant, conscious, aware.