What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cognoscente
Example
He is a cognoscente of classical music and can identify composers just by listening to a few notes. [cognoscente: noun]
Example
As a cognoscente of fine art, she can distinguish between different artistic styles and periods. [cognoscente: adjective]
connoisseur
Example
He is a connoisseur of wine and can identify the region and vintage just by tasting it. [connoisseur: noun]
Example
She is a connoisseur of fashion and can effortlessly put together stylish outfits. [connoisseur: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Connoisseur is more commonly used than cognoscente in everyday language. Connoisseur is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cognoscente is less common and has a more formal tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cognoscente and connoisseur?
While cognoscente is typically associated with a formal tone, connoisseur is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.