acknowledge

[ak-nol-ij]

verb (used with object)

acknowledged, acknowledging 

1. to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of.

   to acknowledge one's mistakes.

   Synonyms: grant, confess, concede
   Antonyms: disavow, disclaim, deny

2. to show or express recognition or realization of.

   to acknowledge an acquaintance by nodding.

3. to recognize the authority, validity, or claims of.

   The students acknowledged the authority of the student council.

4. to show or express appreciation or gratitude for.

   to acknowledge a favor.

5. to indicate or make known the receipt of.

   to acknowledge a letter.

6. to take notice of or reply to.

   to acknowledge a greeting.

7. Law.,  to confirm as binding or of legal force.

   to acknowledge a deed.

acknowledge

/ əkˈnɒlɪdʒ /

verb

1. (may take a clause as object) to recognize or admit the existence, truth, or reality of

2. to indicate recognition or awareness of, as by a greeting, glance, etc

3. to express appreciation or thanks for

   to acknowledge a gift

4. to make the receipt of known to the sender

   to acknowledge a letter

5. to recognize, esp in legal form, the authority, rights, or claims of

Other Word Forms

• acknowledger noun
• acknowledgeable adjective
• preacknowledge verb (used with object)
• reacknowledge verb (used with object)
• unacknowledging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acknowledge¹

First recorded in 1475–85; late Middle English acknowleche, apparently either Middle English aknou(en) “to recognize” + -leche, noun suffix, variant of -lac; or a blend of aknouen and knouleche knowledge; then a- was mistaken for ac-

Word History and Origins

Origin of acknowledge¹

C15: probably from earlier knowledge, on the model of Old English oncnāwan, Middle English aknowen to confess, recognize

Synonym Study

Acknowledge, admit, confess agree in the idea of declaring something to be true. Acknowledge implies making a statement reluctantly, often about something previously denied: to acknowledge a fault. Admit especially implies acknowledging something under pressure: to admit a charge. Confess usually means stating somewhat formally an admission of wrongdoing, crime, or shortcoming: to confess guilt; to confess an inability to understand.

Example Sentences

As Tuchel acknowledged it's not an issue for away matches, and praised the support in Belgrade last month.

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He added that he hoped Machado would be able to attend the award ceremony in Oslo in December but acknowledged the serious security situation.

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There happens to be another anniversary, Tuesday, to acknowledge.

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While acknowledging "it's clear we have to be better", captain Andy Robertson was still in no mood to sour the Scotland feeling after a smash-and-grab victory over Greece.

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However, he also acknowledges in his book these aren’t trends that investors can hold forever.

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Related Words

• accept 
• agree 
• defend 
• endorse 
• recognize 
• support