'cognize' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'cognoscere', where 'co-' meant 'together' and 'gnoscere' (from root 'gnō-') meant 'to know'.

'cognize' changed via Medieval Latin/Old French forms (e.g. Medieval Latin 'cognoscere', Old French/Anglo-Norman influences such as 'cogniser') and eventually became the modern English word 'cognize' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to become acquainted with or learn about', but over time it evolved into its current senses of 'to perceive' or 'to know' (and in formal use, 'to take notice of' or 'assume jurisdiction over').