cognizant

/ˈkɑgnɪzənt/

/ˈkɒgnɪzənt/

If you are cognizant of what's going on at the table behind you in the lunchroom, that means you know they're plotting to throw peas at your head. If you are cognizant of something, you are aware of or informed about it.

This 19th century adjective derives from Latin cognōscere, "to learn." For the English adjective and noun, an older pronunciation with a silent g was in use in legal contexts up until the early 20th century. In law, these terms refer to jurisdiction, or the right of a court to hear a case.

Definitions of cognizant

1. adjective

   having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception (sometimes followed by 'of')
   synonyms: aware, cognisant

   awake

   not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

   alert, alive, awake

   mentally perceptive and responsive;"an alert mind"

   conscious

   (followed by 'of') showing realization or recognition of something

   sensible

   aware intuitively or intellectually of something sensed

   witting

   aware or knowing

   conscious

   knowing and perceiving; having awareness of surroundings and sensations and thoughts

   sensible, sensitive

   able to feel or perceive