Definition of recognize
recognized
;recognizing
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
recognizer
nounFrom the M-W Editors
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 of recognize from the Web
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Headed for enshrinement to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in the fall, Dunbar and I.M. Terrell legend Robert Hughes will be recognized at next week’s Texas High School Coaches Association state convention.
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This year's Hall of Fame class will be announced over the next four days while the Corbett Awards, which recognize the top male and female amateur athletes in the state, will be released next week.
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And there’s obvious political peril, as House minority leader Nancy Pelosi has recognized, in Democrats’ campaigning not just for a check on the president — the usual off-year opposition theme — but for a futile 1999-style impeachment trial.
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But one thing fans can hold on to is that the actress continues to be recognized for her extraordinary ability in front of the camera.
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If anyone recognizes the woman or has any information about the case, please call the SBI at 334-242-1142 or ALEA Central Communications at 334-270-1122.
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And now his 14-year-old grandson, Tim, heads into the woods with his grandfather just as Meierotto did, learning how to handle a rifle, read a compass, recognize deer tracks.
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The list is published annually and recognizes outstanding college students from across the country.
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Elsewhere in firefly pageantry, Photuris pennsylvanica can be recognized across the Mid-Atlantic states from its quick, yellow-green flash followed by a longer pulse that lasts one to three seconds.
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.
Origin and Etymology of recognize
modification of Anglo-French reconois-, stem of reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere, from re- + cognoscere to know — more at cognition
RECOGNIZE Defined for English Language Learners
recognize
playDefinition of recognize for English Language Learners
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: to know and remember (someone or something) because of previous knowledge or experience
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: to accept or be aware that (something) is true or exists
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: to accept and approve of (something) as having legal or official authority
RECOGNIZE Defined for Kids
recognize
playDefinition of recognize for Students
recognized
;recognizing
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.
Law Dictionary
recognize
Legal Definition of recognize
recognized
recognizing
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
Learn More about recognize
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for recognize Spanish Central: Translation of recognize Nglish: Translation of recognize for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of recognize for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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