Being cognizant of something means to be AWARE of it, to have knowledge of it, and to understand it. The term 'be cognizant of' can be broken down into five words: SEE (3 letters), KNOW (4 letters), KNEW (4 letters), AWARE (5 letters), and ONTO (4 letters). Each of these words can be used to describe the act of being cognizant of something. To 'SEE' something is to observe it with one's eyes, while to 'KNOW' something is to have information about it. To 'knew' something is to have had knowledge of it in the past, while to be 'AWARE' of something is to be conscious of it. Finally, to be 'ONTO' something is to have an understanding of it.