recognize

verb

rec·​og·​nize ˈre-kig-ˌnīz How to pronounce recognize (audio)
-kəg-
recognized; recognizing
Synonyms of recognizenext

transitive verb

1
: to acknowledge formally: such as
a
: to admit as being lord or sovereign
b
: to admit as being of a particular status
c
: to admit as being one entitled to be heard : give the floor to
d
: to acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of
2
: to acknowledge or take notice of in some definite way: such as
a
: to acknowledge with a show of appreciation
recognize an act of bravery with the award of a medal
b
: to acknowledge acquaintance with
recognize a neighbor with a nod
3
a
: to perceive to be something or someone previously known
recognized the word
b
: to perceive clearly : realize
recognizability
ˌre-kig-ˌnī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce recognize (audio)
-kəg-
noun
recognizable
ˈre-kəg-ˌnī-zə-bəl How to pronounce recognize (audio)
-kig-
adjective
recognizably
ˈre-kəg-ˌnī-zə-blē How to pronounce recognize (audio)
-kig-
adverb
recognizer noun

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of recognize in a Sentence

I didn't recognize you at first with your new haircut. I can always recognize him from far away by the way he walks. They recognized the odor at once. The U.S. government has now recognized the newly formed country. They refused to recognize the treaty.
Recent Examples on the Web Along the parade route, hundreds of onlookers cheered, danced, and partied as a steady stream of drill teams, dance groups, floats, and community groups celebrated the festivities recognized the holiday commemorating the day news of emancipation reached enslaved Black people in Texas. —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2024 But we were never officially recognized as citizens of this country. —Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 1 June 2024 Her 1851 speech drew upon her experiences of slavery and questioned why her humanity and that of other enslaved African Americans were not recognized as equal to that of white Americans. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 1 June 2024 Sueños has quickly become a staple of the city, recognizing the presence and economic power of Latinos in Chicago and across the nation. —Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for recognize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recognize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

modification of Anglo-French reconois-, stem of reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere, from re- + cognoscere to know — more at cognition

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recognize was in 1537

Dictionary Entries Near recognize

recognizant

recognize

recognizedly

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recognize. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.

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Kids Definition

recognize

verb
rec·​og·​nize ˈrek-ig-ˌnīz How to pronounce recognize (audio)
ˈrek-əg-
recognized; recognizing
1
: to be willing to admit : acknowledge
recognized my own faults
2
: to admit as qualified to be heard at a meeting
recognizes the delegate from Arkansas
3
: to grant diplomatic recognition to
recognized the new government
4
: to take approving notice of
recognize an act of bravery with a medal
5
: to show one is acquainted with
recognize someone with a nod
6
: to know and remember upon seeing
I didn't recognize you in that new hairdo
recognizability
ˌrek-ig-ˌnī-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce recognize (audio)
ˌrek-əg-
noun
recognizable
ˈrek-əg-ˌnī-ze-bəl How to pronounce recognize (audio)
ˈrek-ig-
adjective
recognizably
-ˌnī-zə-blē How to pronounce recognize (audio)
adverb
Etymology

derived from early French reconoistre "to recognize," from Latin recognoscere (same meaning), from re- "again" and cognoscere "to know" — related to connoisseur, incognito

Legal Definition

recognize

transitive verb
rec·​og·​nize
recognized; recognizing
1
: to acknowledge formally: as
a
: to admit as being of a particular status
recognize a precedent
recognize a union
specifically : to acknowledge (as a right, cause of action, or defense) as valid
b
: to admit as being one entitled to be heard : give the floor to
c
: to acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of
refused to recognize the new government
2
: to account for as real, received, or incurred and treat and record appropriately
specifically : to account for (a gain, loss, expense, or income) on current accounting or tax records
recognized the gain when she included it as income on her tax return
compare realize

More from Merriam-Webster on recognize

Nglish: Translation of recognize for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of recognize for Arabic Speakers

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