cognitive figment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cognitive figment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that exists only in the mind, often referring to an imagined or invented idea or concept. Example: "The notion of a perfect society is often seen as a cognitive figment, unattainable in reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Flavor is a cognitive figment.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I call this situation the hegemony of the cognitive, and it is not a figment of my imagination.

University of California, Berkeley

Is Morality a Figment?

The New York Times

A tragic figment.

The New York Times

Figment will accept submissions through Oct. 29.

The New York Times

They're a figment of the imagination.

The Economist

"It is a figment of imagination.

Independent

Is it a figment of my imagination?

Harvard Business Review

A figment of the liberal imagination.

The New York Times

A figment of the boy's imagination?

The New Yorker

Cognitive dissonance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "cognitive figment" with examples to ensure clarity, as the term can be somewhat abstract itself.

Common error

Avoid using "cognitive figment" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its relatively formal tone and abstract meaning are better suited to academic, philosophical, or analytical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cognitive figment" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "cognitive" modifies the noun "figment". It specifies that the figment originates in or relates to the process of cognition. Ludwig's examples show the phrase being used to describe abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cognitive figment" is a phrase used to describe an idea or concept that exists primarily in the mind, often implying it lacks a basis in reality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. While not frequently used, it finds its place in formal writing, particularly in academic or analytical contexts, and is deemed rare. The phrase's function is to characterize abstract notions. If you seek alternatives, consider "mental construct" or "imaginary concept". Remember to use it judiciously, primarily in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mental construct

Focuses on the idea of something being built or formed in the mind.

Imaginary concept

Emphasizes the unreal or fantastical nature of the idea.

Conceptual invention

Highlights the act of creating or inventing an idea.

Thought experiment

Suggests an idea explored purely in the realm of thought.

Intellectual abstraction

Emphasizes the abstract, non-concrete nature of the idea.

Mind's creation

Highlights the mind as the source of the idea.

Fanciful notion

Implies the idea is whimsical or imaginative.

Theoretical construct

Suggests an idea existing primarily in theory.

Pure imagination

Highlights the purely imaginary nature of the idea.

Notion born of thought

Emphasizes the origin of the idea in thinking.

FAQs

How can "cognitive figment" be used in a sentence?

You might say, "The idea of a utopian society is often dismissed as a cognitive figment, unattainable in the complexities of human nature."

What are some alternatives to "cognitive figment"?

Consider using "mental construct", "imaginary concept", or "intellectual abstraction" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cognitive figment" a common phrase?

No, "cognitive figment" is not a very common phrase. It appears more frequently in academic or analytical writing than in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "cognitive figment" and "delusion"?

"Cognitive figment" refers to an idea or concept that exists primarily in the mind, while a "delusion" is a false belief that is resistant to reason or evidence. A cognitive figment may simply be an abstract idea, while a delusion is a firmly held, incorrect belief.