Cognizance vs. Cognisance — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 20, 2024
Cognizance and cognisance represent American and British spellings respectively; both mean awareness or knowledge of something.
Difference Between Cognizance and Cognisance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cognizance is the spelling used in American English, featuring the 'z', which aligns with other American English spellings like 'organize' and 'realize'. On the other hand, cognisance follows British English conventions, opting for an 's' instead of a 'z', similar to 'realise' and 'organise'.
In American publications, cognizance is commonly used, reflecting the American preference for the 'z' in many words derived from Latin roots. Conversely, cognisance is typically found in British publications, aligning with the broader patterns of British spelling.
The legal phrase "to take cognizance of," meaning to take notice of and start to deal with something, is spelled as cognizance in American legal documents. Whereas in British contexts, it appears as cognisance, maintaining consistency with other British legal terminologies.
Educational systems in the U.S. teach the spelling cognizance as part of American English standards. In contrast, schools in the UK teach cognisance, reinforcing British spelling norms and preferences.
Digital spell-check tools and word processors adjust their corrections based on the selected language setting American settings favor cognizance, while British settings correct to cognisance. This demonstrates the localization of software to meet regional language preferences.
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Comparison Chart
Preferred Region
American English
British English
Common in Publications
US publications
UK publications
Legal Terms
American legal documents
British legal documents
Education System Teaching
Taught in US schools
Taught in UK schools
Spell-checker Response
Correct in American settings
Correct in British settings
Compare with Definitions
Cognizance
Knowledge or awareness.
His cognizance of the issue was evident in his detailed responses.
Cognisance
Notice taken by a court in judicial proceedings.
The British court took cognisance of the new evidence.
Cognizance
Recognition or visibility.
The brand's cognizance has grown significantly in recent years.
Cognisance
The acknowledgment or awareness of something.
She showed great cognisance of the complexities involved.
Cognizance
Judicial notice as taken by a court of law.
The court takes cognizance of the defendant’s previous offenses.
Cognisance
Understanding or knowledge.
His deep cognisance of historical facts impressed his teachers.
Cognizance
Awareness or acknowledgment of something.
The manager took immediate cognizance of the complaint.
Cognisance
The scope of one’s knowledge or comprehension.
That subject lies within her professional cognisance.
Cognizance
The range of what one's knowledge or understanding covers.
This topic falls outside my cognizance.
Cognisance
The state of being recognized or known.
The festival gained wider cognisance this year.
Cognizance
Knowledge or awareness
The Renaissance cognizance of Greece was limited
Cognisance
Alternative spelling of cognizance
Cognizance
A distinctive emblem or badge formerly worn by retainers of a noble house.
Cognisance
Having knowledge of;
He had no awareness of his mistakes
His sudden consciousness of the problem he faced
Their intelligence and general knowingness was impressive
Cognizance
Conscious knowledge or recognition; awareness.
Cognizance
The range of what one can know or understand.
Cognizance
Observance; notice
We will take cognizance of your objections at the proper time.
Cognizance
(Law) Acknowledgment, recognition, or jurisdiction; the assumption of jurisdiction in a case.
Cognizance
(Heraldry) A crest or badge worn to distinguish the bearer.
Cognizance
An emblem, badge or device, used as a distinguishing mark by the body of retainers of a royal or noble house.
Cognizance
Notice or awareness.
Cognizance
Jurisdiction.
Cognizance
Apprehension by the understanding; perception; observation.
Within the cognizance and lying under the control of their divine Governor.
Cognizance
Recollection; recognition.
Who, soon as on that knight his eye did glance,Eftsoones of him had perfect cognizance.
Cognizance
Jurisdiction, or the power given by law to hear and decide controversies.
Cognizance
Having knowledge of;
He had no awareness of his mistakes
His sudden consciousness of the problem he faced
Their intelligence and general knowingness was impressive
Cognizance
Range of what one can know or understand;
Beyond my ken
Cognizance
Range or scope of what is perceived
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between 'cognizance' and 'cognisance'?
The main difference is in spelling, reflecting American and British English preferences respectively; both terms have the same meaning.
Which version should I use in legal documents?
Use 'cognizance' in American legal documents and 'cognisance' in British legal contexts.
Are both spellings recognized globally?
Yes, both spellings are recognized and accepted globally, though each may be preferred in different regions.
Does the context change the preference for 'cognizance' or 'cognisance'?
In formal and legal contexts, the preference aligns with regional legal and language standards.
Why does American English prefer 'cognizance' while British English uses 'cognisance'?
American English often adopts spelling reforms that differentiate from British English, preferring 'z' in many words of Latin origin.
Does the term 'cognizance' have different meanings in different contexts?
Yes, it can refer to judicial recognition in legal contexts or general awareness in everyday use.
What should I use in an international academic setting, 'cognizance' or 'cognisance'?
Use the spelling that conforms to the style guide of the academic institution or publication; many international settings favor American English.
Is 'cognisance' acceptable in American English?
While it can be understood, 'cognisance' is generally marked as incorrect in American English settings.
What guides the use of 'cognizance' or 'cognisance' in publications?
Publications generally follow the spelling norms of the country in which they are based.
Can the spelling variant affect the understanding of the term in professional settings?
No, professionals in English-speaking settings understand both variants as they carry the same meaning.
What impact does the spelling have on software spell-checkers?
Spell-checkers adjust their corrections based on the regional language settings, promoting consistency with local norms.
How are these terms taught in schools in English-speaking countries?
Schools teach the variant that aligns with the national standard of English—'cognizance' in the U.S. and 'cognisance' in the UK.
Is one spelling more correct than the other?
Neither spelling is more correct; the choice depends on the regional language standard being used.
Can using the wrong variant impact professional credibility?
Using the incorrect variant for a specific audience might affect the perceived attention to detail but generally does not impact overall credibility.
How should non-native speakers decide which spelling to use?
Non-native speakers should choose the spelling based on the primary audience's region or the standard English variant they are learning or using.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
