Main Entry: rec·og·nize

Pronunciation: \ˈre-kig-ˌnīz, -kəg-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): rec·og·nized; rec·og·niz·ing

Etymology: modification of Anglo-French reconois-, stem of reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere, from re- + cognoscere to know — more at cognition

Date: circa 1532

1 : to acknowledge formally: as a : to admit as being lord or sovereign b : to admit as being of a particular status c : to admit as being one entitled to be heard : give the floor to d : to acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of
2 : to acknowledge or take notice of in some definite way: as a : to acknowledge with a show of appreciation <recognize an act of bravery with the award of a medal> b : to acknowledge acquaintance with <recognize a neighbor with a nod>
3 a : to perceive to be something or someone previously known <recognized the word> b : to perceive clearly : realize

— rec·og·niz·abil·i·ty \ˌre-kig-ˌnī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -kəg-\ noun

— rec·og·niz·able \ˈre-kəg-ˌnī-zə-bəl, -kig-\ adjective

— rec·og·niz·ably \-blē\ adverb

— rec·og·niz·er noun