non-cognitive
|non-cog-ni-tive|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑnˈkɑɡnətɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒnˈkɒɡnɪtɪv/
not about thinking/knowing
Etymology
'non-cognitive' originates from English, formed from the prefix 'non-' (originally a negative element meaning 'not') and the adjective 'cognitive', which ultimately derives from Latin 'cognoscere'/'cognitivus' meaning 'to know'.
'cognoscere' changed into Late Latin 'cognitivus', then into Old French/Medieval Latin forms (e.g. French 'cognitif') and entered English as 'cognitive'; the negative prefix 'non-' comes via Old English/Latin negative forms ('nān' in Old English and Latin 'non').
Initially it meant simply 'not related to knowing or cognition'; over time the compound 'non-cognitive' has come to be used especially in education and psychology to denote specific non-intellectual traits or skills (e.g., motivation, personality, social skills).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not relating to cognitive processes (thinking, reasoning, or knowledge); used to describe traits, skills, or behaviors that involve emotion, motivation, personality, social interaction, or attitudes rather than intellectual processing (e.g., non-cognitive skills like resilience or teamwork).
Teachers increasingly recognize the importance of non-cognitive skills such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-control.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/22 02:06