recognize

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verb rec·og·nize \ˈre-kig-ˌnīz, -kəg-\

Definition of recognize

;

transitive verb
1 : to acknowledge formally: such asa : to admit as being lord or sovereignb : to admit as being of a particular statusc : to admit as being one entitled to be heard : give the floor tod : to acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of
2 : to acknowledge or take notice of in some definite way: such asa : to acknowledge with a show of appreciation recognize an act of bravery with the award of a medalb : to acknowledge acquaintance with recognize a neighbor with a nod
3a : to perceive to be something or someone previously known recognized the wordb : to perceive clearly : realize

play \ˌre-kig-ˌnī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -kəg-\ noun

play \ˈre-kəg-ˌnī-zə-bəl, -kig-\ adjective

play \-blē\ adverb

noun

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

First Known Use: 1537

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verb rec·og·nize \ˈre-kig-ˌnīz, -kəg-\

: 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

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verb rec·og·nize \ˈre-kig-ˌnīz\

;

transitive verb rec·og·nize

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