1. to become aware of or perceive through thought or the senses
Usage: formal
2. to take judicial notice of or acknowledge officially
Usage: legal

Examples

• The philosopher cognizes the complexity of human nature.
• She cognizes the subtle changes in her environment.
• The court cognizes the defendant’s constitutional rights.
• He cognizes the importance of the evidence presented.
• The judge cognizes the validity of the witness testimony.
• The scientist cognizes patterns in the experimental data.