Conscious vs. Aware vs. Cognizant

Conscious,aware and cognizant refer to an individual sense of recognition of something within or without oneself:

Conscious implies to be aware or awakened to an inner realization of a fact ,truth,condition,etc:
- To be conscious of an extreme weariness.
- I was very conscious of the fact that I had to make a good impression.

Conscious also emphasizes the recognition of something sensed or felt: “an importance... of which even Americans are barely conscious” (William Stanley Jevons).

Aware lays emphasis on knowledge gained through one's own sense perceptions or by means of information:

- He was aware of the odor of tobacco.
- Are you aware of your opponent's hostility?
- I am aware that the legislation passed.

Cognizant lays the emphasis on an outer recognition more on the level of reason and knowledge than on the sensory level alone:

- He was cognizant of their drawbacks.
- Our research indicates that the nation's youth are cognizant of the law” (Jerry D. Jennings).