recognize

verb

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rec·og·nize | \ ˈre-kig-ˌnīz

, -kəg-\

recognized; recognizing

Definition of recognize

transitive verb

1 : to acknowledge formally: such 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: such 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

3a : to perceive to be something or someone previously known recognized the word

b : to perceive clearly : realize

Other Words from recognize Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about recognize

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Examples of recognize in a Sentence

I didn't recognize you at first with your new haircut. I can always recognize him from far away by the way he walks. They recognized the odor at once. The U.S. government has now recognized the newly formed country. They refused to recognize the treaty.

Recent Examples on the Web Trump is not the first president to recognize sports figures. — David Nakamura, courant.com, "Rejected by sports teams, Trump finds a new method to handpick athletes for White House ceremonies," 17 Sep. 2019 Facebook will work with law enforcement organizations to train its artificial intelligence systems to recognize videos of violent events, the company said Tuesday. — CBS News, "Facebook to train AI systems using police firearms training videos," 17 Sep. 2019 Trying something new This month, the Alabama Breastfeeding Committee will roll out a program to recognize Alabama businesses as breastfeeding-friendly, in an effort to improve breastfeeding rates. — Anna Claire Vollers | Avollers@al.com, al, "Alabama lacks workplace protections for moms who want to breastfeed," 16 Sep. 2019 Some abuse is easier to recognize than others, and crimes against seniors range from physical to financial. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Ask Veronica — Elder abuse needs to be part of the conversation on aging," 16 Sep. 2019 The star continues to recognize kids with huge goals for making the world a better place. — Heran Mamo, Billboard, "Selena Gomez & the Playground Scene: Her 8 Cutest Moments With Kids," 13 Sep. 2019 The key is to recognize the shift and map out a plan to move forward. — Kathryn Vasel, CNN, "You used to be work friends. Now you're the boss," 12 Sep. 2019 The late Twin Cities newspaper reporter and columnist Nick Coleman was among 24 persons to be recognized Thursday at Regions Hospital’s fourth annual open house honoring organ, tissue and eye donors from 2018. — Bill Salisbury, Twin Cities, "Former columnist Nick Coleman among organ donors honored at Regions Hospital," 12 Sep. 2019 Thompson said Monday that although first responders deserve to be recognized, the best way to honor mass-shooting victims is to pass gun legislation. — Tal Kopan, SFChronicle.com, "Trump skips Gilroy first responders in honoring mass-shooting heroes," 10 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recognize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for recognize

Last Updated

26 Oct 2019

Time Traveler for recognize

The first known use of recognize was in 1537

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More Definitions for recognize

recognize

verb

English Language Learners Definition of recognize

: to know and remember (someone or something) because of previous knowledge or experience

: to accept or be aware that (something) is true or exists

: to accept and approve of (something) as having legal or official authority

See the full definition for recognize in the English Language Learners Dictionary

recognize

verb

rec·og·nize | \ ˈre-kig-ˌnīz

recognized; recognizing

Kids Definition of recognize

1 : to know and remember upon seeing I recognized an old friend.

2 : to be willing to accept I recognized my own faults.

3 : to take approving notice of They recognized his bravery with a medal.

recognize

transitive verb

rec·og·nize

recognized; recognizing

Legal Definition of recognize

1 : to acknowledge formally: as

a : to admit as being of a particular status recognize a precedent recognize a union specifically : to acknowledge (as a right, cause of action, or defense) as valid

b : to admit as being one entitled to be heard : give the floor to

c : to acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of refused to recognize the new government

2 : to account for as real, received, or incurred and treat and record appropriately specifically : to account for (a gain, loss, expense, or income) on current accounting or tax records recognized the gain when she included it as income on her tax return — compare realize

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