Recognizing: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when acknowledging or realizing something or someone you've encountered before. Often used in everyday conversation.

• She had trouble recognizing the old friend she hadn't seen in years.
• He is good at recognizing faces.

This word fits when specifying or citing the identity of something or someone. It is often used in technical contexts.

• They used DNA to identify the suspect.
• Can you identify this type of bird?

Use this word when identifying the differences between two or more items or concepts, often in a detailed or precise manner.

• He could distinguish between the twins by their voice alone.
• It's sometimes hard to distinguish truth from fiction.

This word is suitable for situations involving careful observation to understand something that is not immediately clear. It has a more formal tone.

• She could discern the faint outline of the mountains through the fog.
• It's important to discern the facts from the rumors.

Appropriate for situations involving awareness or understanding through the senses or intuition. It may also imply subjective interpretation.

• He perceived a change in her attitude.
• People tend to perceive things differently based on their experiences.

Used when you identify something or someone by its characteristics or in cases where you appreciate someone's efforts or achievements.

• After recognizing the importance of teamwork, the manager organized team-building activities.
• She had trouble recognizing her old friend after so many years.

Used to show that you admit the existence or truth of something, or to appreciate someone's presence, contribution, or effort.

• She acknowledged his contribution to the project during her speech.
• He didn't acknowledge her wave as he walked by.

Often used when confessing to something, especially something that may be embarrassing or troublesome.

• He had to admit that he was wrong about the budget.
• She finally admitted her mistake.

Best used when you agree to take something offered or when you agree to a situation without attempting to change it.

• He decided to accept the new job offer.
• You need to accept that things will not always go as planned.

Used when you confirm or prove that something is correct or worthwhile, often used in official or formal contexts.

• The experiments were conducted to validate the theory.
• He needed someone to validate his parking ticket.