recognize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to identify as something or someone previously seen, known, etc..
He had changed so much that one could scarcely recognize him.
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to identify from knowledge of appearance or characteristics.
I recognized him from the description.
They recognized him as a fraud.
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to perceive as existing or true; realize.
to be the first to recognize a fact.
- Synonyms:
- concede, grant, understand, appreciate, acknowledge
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to acknowledge as the person entitled to speak at a particular time.
The Speaker recognized the congressman from Maine.
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to acknowledge formally as entitled to treatment as a political unit.
The United States promptly recognized Israel.
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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.
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to acknowledge or treat as valid.
to recognize a claim.
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to acknowledge acquaintance with, as by a greeting, handshake, etc.
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to show appreciation of (achievement, service, merit, etc.), as by some reward, public honor, or the like.
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Law. to acknowledge (an illegitimate child) as one's own.
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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.
verb
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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
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to accept or be aware of (a fact, duty, problem, etc)
to recognize necessity
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to give formal acknowledgment of the status or legality of (a government, an accredited representative, etc)
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to grant (a person) the right to speak in a deliberative body, debate, etc
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to give a token of thanks for (a service rendered, etc)
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to make formal acknowledgment of (a claim, etc)
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to show approval or appreciation of (something good or pleasing)
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to acknowledge or greet (a person), as when meeting by chance
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(intr) to enter into a recognizance
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of recognize
First recorded in 1425–75; recogn(ition) ( def. ) + -ize ( def. ); replacing late Middle English racunnysen, recognisen, from Old French reconuiss-, stem of reconuistre, from Latin recognōscere, equivalent to re- re- ( def. ) + cognōscere “to know 1 ( def. ) ”; see cognition ( def. )
Explanation
When, at a meeting, you wave your hand wildly, you want to be recognized. When the chairperson finally says, “I recognize the man who is about to fall out of his seat,” don't forget what you wanted to say. The verb recognize comes from the Latin root words re (again) and cognoscere (to know) – literally “to know again” or “to identify.” If your own identical twin doesn't recognize you, you might be wearing too much makeup. Recognize can also mean “to acknowledge” or “to appreciate.” When you recognize the donors for their generous contributions to your fundraising event, your parents say, “You're welcome.”
Vocabulary lists containing recognize
Vocabulary of the Common Core
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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Recognize that there is still very good potential for returns in equity markets in the U.S.
From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026
Recognize that if Europe is going to fix itself—again, a big “if”—we’re witnessing only the beginning of the beginning.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025
Recognize the angry messages flowing into your inbox for what they are: old-fashioned, one-sided lobbying, updated for an era of big tech.
From Slate • Mar. 18, 2024
Recognize that you are a “good enough” parent, and they are a “good enough” kid.
From Salon • Feb. 13, 2024
Recognize you'self inside and you wan the kings among men!
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
