Acknowledge: meaning, definitions and examples
🙏
acknowledge
[ əkˈnɒlɪdʒ ]
formal
Accept or admit the existence or truth of. Show that one has noticed or recognized (someone) by making a gesture or greeting.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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acknowledge |
Used when referring to admitting or showing awareness of something. Often formal or used in situations where one must recognize a fact or an achievement.
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admit |
Used when confessing to something, often involving reluctance or guilt. Can have a negative connotation.
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accept |
Used when consenting to receive or agree to something, often implying a final decision or agreement.
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recognize |
Used when identifying something or someone from prior knowledge or when formally acknowledging someone's status or rights.
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Examples of usage
- She refused to acknowledge the new chairman
- he did not acknowledge my greeting
formal
Express gratitude or appreciation for or to.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
acknowledge |
Use when formally accepting the existence or truth of something. Often seen in legal or professional settings.
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appreciate |
Used to express gratitude or to value something highly; often personal and emotional.
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thank |
Directly expresses gratitude to someone. Commonly used in everyday interactions.
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recognize |
Used to identify someone or something from having encountered them before or to formally acknowledge the existence or validity of something.
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Examples of usage
- she would like to acknowledge the work of the charity staff
- he acknowledged the applause with a smile
formal
To show that one has read or received (a message or communication)
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
acknowledge |
Used to show that you have received or noticed something. Often used in formal writing and communication.
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confirm |
Used to affirm or validate something that has been agreed upon or is expected. Commonly used in formal and official documents.
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respond |
Used when you are replying to a question, request, or communication. Can be formal or informal depending on the context.
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receipt |
Primarily used as a noun to indicate that something has been received. It commonly appears in business or formal transactions.
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Examples of usage
- Please acknowledge receipt of this letter
- He acknowledged the email with a quick response
Translations
Translations of the word "acknowledge" in other languages:
🇵🇹 reconhecer
🇮🇳 स्वीकार करना
🇩🇪 anerkennen
🇮🇩 mengakui
🇺🇦 визнавати
🇵🇱 uznać
🇯🇵 認める (mitomeru)
🇫🇷 reconnaître
🇪🇸 reconocer
🇹🇷 kabul etmek
🇰🇷 인정하다 (injeonghada)
🇸🇦 الاعتراف
🇨🇿 uznat
🇸🇰 uznať
🇨🇳 承认 (chéngrèn)
🇸🇮 priznati
🇮🇸 viðurkenna
🇰🇿 мойындау
🇬🇪 აღიარება
🇦🇿 tanımaq
🇲🇽 reconocer
Etymology
The word 'acknowledge' originated from the Old English word 'oncnāwan' which meant 'to recognize'. It has evolved over time to its current usage in the English language. The concept of acknowledging something or someone has always been important in human interaction, showing respect, gratitude, or acceptance. The word has been used in various contexts throughout history, emphasizing the significance of recognizing the existence, truth, or efforts of others.
See also: acknowledged, acknowledgement, acknowledging, acknowledgingly, acknowledgment, unacknowledged, unacknowledging.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #4,162, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.
- ...
- 4159 hitherto
- 4160 guaranteed
- 4161 flame
- 4162 acknowledge
- 4163 grateful
- 4164 laying
- 4165 quantitative
- ...