Recognize: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘€
Add to dictionary

recognize

 

[ หˆrษ›kษ™ษกหŒnaษชz ]

Context #1 | Verb

in a sentence

To acknowledge the existence, validity, or legality of something; to identify someone or something known to one previously.

Synonyms

acknowledge, admit, identify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
recognize

Use in situations where you become aware of something by seeing, hearing, or sensing it. Often implies familiarity or understanding.

  • I recognize his voice from across the room
  • She recognized the need for better healthcare
acknowledge

When you accept or admit the existence or truth of something. It often has a formal or respectful tone.

  • The company acknowledged their mistake in the financial report
  • He acknowledged the help of his colleagues during his speech
identify

In situations where you pinpoint or verify the identity or characteristics of someone or something. Often used in contexts involving analysis or investigation.

  • The scientist identified a new species of plant
  • The witness was able to identify the suspect in the lineup
admit

Used when you confess to something reluctantly or acknowledge something that might be hard to accept. Often has a negative connotation.

  • He admitted to breaking the window
  • She admitted she was wrong about the project

Examples of usage

  • He couldn't recognize any of the songs playing on the radio.
  • She recognized him as the man who had saved her from drowning.
  • I didn't recognize you with your new haircut.
  • They finally recognized the importance of his contributions.
  • We need to recognize the efforts of our volunteers.
Context #2 | Verb

in a sentence

To show official appreciation or approval for someone's achievements or actions.

Synonyms

acknowledge, appreciate, honor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
recognize

Use 'recognize' when identifying or being aware of something or someone after seeing them or learning about them. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • I didnโ€™t recognize him with his new haircut.
  • The doctor was quick to recognize the symptoms of the disease.
appreciate

Use 'appreciate' when expressing gratitude or understanding the value or importance of something. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • I really appreciate your help with the project.
  • They appreciate the beauty of the natural landscape.
honor

Use 'honor' when showing great respect and admiration for someone, often in a ceremonial or official way. It carries a positive and respectful connotation.

  • They gathered to honor the soldiers who fought in the war.
  • It is a great honor to meet someone of your reputation.
acknowledge

Use 'acknowledge' when admitting the truth or existence of something, or when showing that you have seen or heard someone. This word is often used in formal contexts.

  • She refused to acknowledge her mistakes.
  • He nodded his head to acknowledge the applause.

Examples of usage

  • She was recognized for her outstanding performance at work.
  • His talent was finally recognized by the critics.
  • The organization recognized her years of dedicated service.
  • The school recognized the students' hard work with awards.
  • The government recognized the need for change.

Translations

Translations of the word "recognize" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น reconhecer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคนเคšเคพเคจเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช erkennen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mengenali

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะพะทะฟั–ะทะฝะฐะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ rozpoznaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ช่ญ˜ใ™ใ‚‹ (ใซใ‚“ใ—ใใ™ใ‚‹)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท reconnaรฎtre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ reconocer

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tanฤฑmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ธ์‹ํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชู…ูŠูŠุฒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rozpoznat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ rozpoznaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฏ†ๅˆซ (shรญbiรฉ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prepoznati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพekkja

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐะฝั‹ัั‚ั‹ั€ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒชแƒœแƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tanฤฑmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ reconocer

Etymology

The word 'recognize' originated from the Latin word 'recognoscere', which means 'to know again'. It entered the English language in the early 15th century. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the meanings of acknowledging, identifying, and appreciating. 'Recognize' is commonly used in various contexts to denote familiarity, approval, or acknowledgement of someone or something.

See also: recognition, recognizable, recognized, recognizing, underrecognized, unrecognizable.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,144, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.