Final answer:
In Sternberg's triangular theory of love, the cognitive component is called commitment, distinct from intimacy and passion which represent the emotional and motivational components respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Sternberg's triangular theory of love, the cognitive component of love is called commitment. In Sternberg's framework, commitment is described as the decision to maintain the relationship and the long-term promise to stick with one's partner through ups and downs. This is different from the emotional component, which is intimacy, involving the sharing of feelings and personal thoughts, and the motivational component, which is passion, entailing sexual attraction and romance. Hence, the correct answer is C) commitment.