Latin Peeps Represent!

[demiurgent]

Folks who know from Latin:

I know that the Italian word 'cognoscenti' is derived from the Latin word cognosco. However, I've got a sense that 'cognoscenti' itself is also Latin. Is it? If not, what would the appropriate Latin word be for 'enlightened ones?'

Comments

[legwork.livejournal.com]

Illuminati. Literally, "those who are in the light," i.e. "enlightened."

Not cognoscentes. It just means those who are "knowing" or "understanding." Sapientes means just "knowing," not necessarily "understanding." Homo sapiens knows, but need not be understanding or wise.

[demiurgent.livejournal.com]

Ahhh, but for many reasons, "Illuminati" won't work.