Meaning of recognize in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪz/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    recognize

    Etymology

    late Middle English (earliest attested as a term in Scots law): from Old French reconniss-, stem of reconnaistre, from Latin recognoscere‘know again, recall to mind’, from re-‘again’ + cognoscere‘learn’

    Definitions

    1. accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority

    Examples

    • « The Crown Prince was acknowledged as the true heir to the throne »
    • « We do not recognize your gods »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. be fully aware or cognizant of

    Derived terms

  3. 3. detect with the senses

    Examples

    • « The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards »
    • « I can't make out the faces in this photograph »

    Derived terms

  4. 4. perceive to be the same

    Derived terms

  5. 5. grant credentials to

    Examples

    • « The Regents officially recognized the new educational institution »
    • « recognize an academic degree »

    Derived terms

  6. 6. express greetings upon meeting someone

    Derived terms

  7. 7. express obligation, thanks, or gratitude for

    Examples

    • « We must acknowledge the kindness she showed towards us »

    Derived terms

  8. 8. exhibit recognition for (an antigen or a substrate)
  9. 9. show approval or appreciation of

    Examples

    • « My work is not recognized by anybody! »
    • « The best student was recognized by the Dean »

Famous quotes

  • « Perhaps I am doomed to retrace my steps under the illusion that I am exploring, doomed to try and learn what I should simply recognize, learning a mere fraction of what I have forgotten. »
    Andre Breton
  • « We continue to recognize the greater ability of some to earn more than others. But we do assert that the ambition of the individual to obtain for him a proper security is an ambition to be preferred to the appetite for great wealth and great power. »
    Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • « You know, one of the biggest thrills I have is when famous people recognize me from Taxi. »
    Marilu Henner
  • « Although I'm an atheist who believes only in great nature, I recognize the spiritual richness and grandeur of the Roman Catholicism in which I was raised. »
    Camille Paglia
  • « Many people with physical disabilities have romantic lives and good marriages to partners who see past their disabilities and recognize all of the things they can do. »
    Jeanne Phillips

Browse dictionary