What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cognizance
Example
She took cognizance of the risks involved before making a decision. [cognizance: noun]
Example
He showed cognizance of the importance of the issue during the meeting. [cognizance: noun]
recognition
Example
The teacher gave recognition to the student for their outstanding performance. [recognition: noun]
Example
I had a moment of recognition when I saw her face in the crowd. [recognition: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recognition is more commonly used than cognizance in everyday language. Recognition is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cognizance is less common and tends to be used in more formal or legal settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cognizance and recognition?
While cognizance is typically associated with a formal and legal tone, recognition is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
