What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cerebral
Example
She has a cerebral approach to problem-solving. [cerebral: adjective]
Example
The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher cognitive functions. [cerebral: noun]
cognitive
Example
Playing chess can improve cognitive skills. [cognitive: adjective]
Example
Cognitive psychology focuses on understanding how people think and process information. [cognitive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cognitive is more commonly used than cerebral in everyday language. Cognitive is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, including psychology, education, and neuroscience. On the other hand, cerebral is less common and tends to be used in more specialized or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cerebral and cognitive?
Both cerebral and cognitive can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, cerebral may have a slightly more formal tone due to its association with intellectual pursuits and academic settings.
