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

• acknowledgeable adjective
• acknowledger noun
• 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

And then there’s the gutting “Heavy Metal,” in which she acknowledges that enduring the pain of a breakup has prepared her to deal with the inevitability of the next one.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The driver said once stopped, they followed the agents’ commands, but acknowledged that Parias was reluctant to exit.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Logan acknowledged that the labor market has weakened, but said future policy choices could respond quickly if the situation worsens further.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Kovarsky acknowledges that Milei had to stabilize the economy first, and notes his budget for next year doesn’t contemplate any reduction in export taxes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Türk, while acknowledging the challenges of tackling drug trafficking, said in a statement that the circumstances for the deadly strikes "find no justification in international law".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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