recognize
to identify as something or someone previously seen, known, etc.: He had changed so much that one could scarcely recognize him.
to identify from knowledge of appearance or characteristics: I recognized him from the description.They recognized him as a fraud.
to perceive as existing or true; realize: to be the first to recognize a fact.
to acknowledge as the person entitled to speak at a particular time: The Speaker recognized the congressman from Maine.
to acknowledge formally as entitled to treatment as a political unit: The United States promptly recognized Israel.
to acknowledge or accept formally a specified factual or legal situation: to recognize a successful revolutionary regime as the de facto government of the country.
to acknowledge or treat as valid: to recognize a claim.
to acknowledge acquaintance with, as by a greeting, handshake, etc.
to show appreciation of (achievement, service, merit, etc.), as by some reward, public honor, or the like.
Law. to acknowledge (an illegitimate child) as one's own.
Biochemistry, Immunology. to bind with, cleave, or otherwise react to (another substance) as a result of fitting its molecular shape or a portion of its shape.
Origin of recognize
1- Also especially British, rec·og·nise .
Other words for recognize
Other words from recognize
- rec·og·niz·a·ble [rek-uhg-nahy-zuh-buhl, rek-uhg-nahy-], /ˈrɛk əgˌnaɪ zə bəl, ˌrɛk əgˈnaɪ-/, adjective
- rec·og·niz·a·bil·i·ty, noun
- rec·og·niz·a·bly, adverb
- rec·og·niz·er, noun
- non·rec·og·nized, adjective
- pre·rec·og·nize, verb (used with object), pre·rec·og·nized, pre·rec·og·niz·ing.
- qua·si-rec·og·nized, adjective
- un·rec·og·niz·a·ble, adjective
- un·rec·og·niz·a·bly, adverb
- un·rec·og·nized, adjective
- un·rec·og·niz·ing, adjective
- well-rec·og·nized, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use recognize in a sentence
When somebody of color comes into the museum, they recognize pretty quickly if there aren’t many staff around who look like them.
By the 1950s, about 20 species and subspecies were recognized based on physical differences.
On a cool night in Malaysia, scientists track mysterious colugos across the treetops | Yao-Hua Law | November 20, 2020 | Science NewsI recognized them, I knew who they were, and in between shots, he was just watching my sister and I have our lesson.
In California, in cases where the stated reason for the petition is mental health concerns, as it was for Spears, a psychiatrist would have to testify that the subject has a DSM-recognized diagnosis.
Why Britney Spears’s fans are convinced she’s being held captive | Constance Grady | November 11, 2020 | VoxIf everyday people do not recognize their own priorities for health and well-being in our system, it will only cause disconnect, distrust, and frustration.
Why We Need a Collective Vision to Design the Future of Health | Abner Mason | November 11, 2020 | Singularity Hub
The story of the soldier returning home to a country he no longer recognizes is a very old one.
A Veteran’s View: NYC Cold War Between Cops and City Hall | Matt Gallagher | December 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTKim Jung-un clearly recognizes that Hollywood and American popular culture in general constitute a dire threat.
Inside the ‘Surprisingly Great’ North Korean Hacker Hotel | Michael Daly | December 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTScotland Yard released a video of the extraordinary crime in an appeal for anyone who recognizes the man to come forward.
But she also recognizes that it places women who are told that they screened for HPV in a frustrating limbo.
The woman recognizes him and bursts into tears, just as guards come into the prison.
Nigeria’s Larger-Than-Life Nobel Laureate Chronicles a Fascinating Life | Chimamanda Adichie | August 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTQuaint old Burton in his "Anatomy of Melancholy," recognizes the virtues of the plant while he anathematizes its abuse.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce | E. R. Billings.The governor recognizes neither justice nor king, but only his own absolute will and pleasure.
Such action is a palpable fraud which the law recognizes and for which the guilty ones must answer.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney BollesGod recognizes in them but one difference, that caused by the presence or absence of sanctifying grace in their soul.
Mary, Help of Christians | VariousThe French law recognizes no marriage unless it has been contracted before the civil authorities.
Black Diamonds | Mr Jkai
British Dictionary definitions for recognize
recognise
/ (ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪz) /
to perceive (a person, creature, or thing) to be the same as or belong to the same class as something previously seen or known; know again
to accept or be aware of (a fact, duty, problem, etc): to recognize necessity
to give formal acknowledgment of the status or legality of (a government, an accredited representative, etc)
mainly US and Canadian to grant (a person) the right to speak in a deliberative body, debate, etc
to give a token of thanks for (a service rendered, etc)
to make formal acknowledgment of (a claim, etc)
to show approval or appreciation of (something good or pleasing)
to acknowledge or greet (a person), as when meeting by chance
(intr) mainly US to enter into a recognizance
Origin of recognize
1Derived forms of recognize
- recognizable or recognisable, adjective
- recognizability or recognisability, noun
- recognizably or recognisably, adverb
- recognizer or recogniser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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