cognizance

Universal Words (BrE also cognisance) noun [U] (formal) knowledge or understanding of sth cognizant, cognisant adjective [notbeforenoun]: cognizant of the importance of the case IDIOMS take cognizance of sth (law) to understand or consider sth; to take notice of sth: In the light of the new evidence that the court can now take cognizance of, the case is dropped.