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cognitio

Etymology and origin of the Latin word cognitio

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Confidence
Established
Formation
Derivation
First attested
Rhetorica ad Herennium
Ultimate origin
Latin (nōscō)

Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [kɔŋˈnɪ.ti.oː][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [koɲˈɲit.t͡si.o][1]

Forms

cognitiō f (genitive cognitiōnis); third declension[1]

Etymology

It is from cognōscō “to get to know” with the suffix -tiō.[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citation is from the Rhetorica ad Herennium, of acquiring knowledge.[2] Köbler's first source is Cicero; he dates the Rhetorica 86/82 BC.[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant getting to know, knowledge, as in the Rhetorica ad Herennium, and in Cicero study, a judicial inquiry, acquaintance, and recognition, as of the recognition scene in drama.[2] Under the Empire ā cognitiōnibus was the emperor's secretary for judicial matters.[2] Döderlein explains that cognitiō is the act by which knowledge is acquired, nōtitia and scientia the state of knowing.[5]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant knowledge, idea, investigation, trial.[6] Medieval Latin used it for cognizance of a law case, judgement, and feudal acknowledgment.[7] British Medieval Latin used it for knowledge, recognition and carnal knowledge.[8] It was borrowed into Italian cognizione and gave English cognition in the mid-15th century.[1][3]

Timeline

  • 86/82 BC – The Rhetorica ad Herennium uses it of knowledge.[2][4]
  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of inquiry and recognition.[2][4]
  • mid-15th century – English cognition is recorded.[3]

Meanings

Noun

  1. Knowledge, cognition.[2]
  2. Study, investigation.[2]
  3. A judicial inquiry.[2]
  4. Acquaintance.[2]
  5. Recognition.[2]

Word family

  • cognitionalis

Usage notes

Döderlein distinguishes it from nōtitia and scientia.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b c Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  5. ^ a b Döderlein, Ludwig (1874), Döderlein’s Hand-book of Latin Synonymes, tr. H. H. Arnold, Andover: W. F. Draper
  6. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
  7. ^ Niermeyer, J. F. (1976), Mediae Latinitatis Lexicon Minus, Leiden: Brill
  8. ^ Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press
Cite this entry

“Cognitio.” Etymologically, 16 Oct. 2026, etymologically.com/la/cognitio. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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