recognize

[ rek-uhg-nahyz ]

/ ˈrɛk əgˌnaɪz /

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See synonyms for: recognize / recognized / recognizes / recognizing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), rec·og·nized, rec·og·niz·ing.

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.

OTHER WORDS FOR recognize

3 acknowledge, appreciate, understand, grant, concede.

See synonyms for recognize on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

Question 1 of 6

Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

shall

should

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Also especially British, rec·og·nise .

Origin of recognize

1425–75; recogn(ition) + -ize; replacing late Middle English racunnysen, recognisen<Old French reconuiss-, stem of reconuistre<Latin recognōscere, equivalent to re-re- + cognōscere to know¹; see cognition

OTHER WORDS FROM recognize

rec·og·niz·a·ble

[rek-uhg-nahy-zuh-buhl, rek-uhg-nahy-], /ˈrɛk əgˌnaɪ zə bəl, ˌrɛk əgˈnaɪ-/, adjectiverec·og·niz·a·bil·i·ty, nounrec·og·niz·a·bly, adverbrec·og·niz·er, noun

non·rec·og·nized, adjectivepre·rec·og·nize, verb (used with object), pre·rec·og·nized, pre·rec·og·niz·ing.qua·si-rec·og·nized, adjectiveun·rec·og·niz·a·ble, adjectiveun·rec·og·niz·a·bly, adverbun·rec·og·nized, adjectiveun·rec·og·niz·ing, adjectivewell-rec·og·nized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

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.
Plight at the Museum|Jen Trolio|November 20, 2020|Vox
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 News
I recognized them, I knew who they were, and in between shots, he was just watching my sister and I have our lesson.
Christy Turlington, the Model Activist|Eugene Robinson|November 11, 2020|Ozy
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|Vox

If 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|DAILY BEAST
Kim 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|DAILY BEAST
Scotland Yard released a video of the extraordinary crime in an appeal for anyone who recognizes the man to come forward.
Thief Hypnotizes Shopkeeper, Then Robs Him|Nico Hines|December 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But she also recognizes that it places women who are told that they screened for HPV in a frustrating limbo.
The Silent Shame of HPV|Emily Shire|August 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
Quaint 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.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
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 Bolles
God recognizes in them but one difference, that caused by the presence or absence of sanctifying grace in their soul.
Mary, Help of Christians|Various
The French law recognizes no marriage unless it has been contracted before the civil authorities.
Black Diamonds|Mr Jkai

British Dictionary definitions for recognize

recognize

recognise

/ (ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪz) /

verb (tr)

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

Derived forms of recognize

recognizable or recognisable, adjectiverecognizability or recognisability, nounrecognizably or recognisably, adverbrecognizer or recogniser, noun

Word Origin for recognize

C15: from Latin recognoscere to know again, from re- + cognoscere to know, ascertain

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

recognize

OTHER WORDS FOR recognize

Origin of recognize

OTHER WORDS FROM recognize

Words related to recognize

How to use recognize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for recognize

recognise

Derived forms of recognize

Word Origin for recognize