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metacognition

/ˌmɛtəkɒgˈnɪʃən/
IPA guide

Other forms: metacognitions

Whenever you think about the thoughts that you're thinking, that's metacognition. Metacognition can be a useful way to work through difficult experiences, by reflecting on what's going through your head.

This word is formed by adding meta-, or "above," to cognition, which means "thinking." Rather than simply having a thought, metacognition involves mulling it over and putting it into context with your previous patterns of thought. Understanding why you think the way you do, and how those thoughts make you feel and act, are part of metacognition. Try using metacognition the next time you're worried about something! Examining your thoughts more closely just might make you feel better.

Definitions of metacognition
  1. noun
    an awareness and control of one’s inner thoughts, beliefs, and thinking processes
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