recognize

verb

rec·​og·​nize ˈre-kig-ˌnīz 

-kəg-

recognized; recognizing

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

3

a

: to perceive to be something or someone previously known

recognized the word

b

: to perceive clearly : realize

recognizability

ˌre-kig-ˌnī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

-kəg-

noun

recognizable

ˈre-kəg-ˌnī-zə-bəl 

-kig-

adjective

recognizably

ˈre-kəg-ˌnī-zə-blē 

-kig-

adverb

recognizer noun

Synonyms of recognize

• understand
• know
• decipher
• see
• comprehend
• appreciate
• grasp
• realize

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

Only Ainara’s grandmother and Maite’s husband step back from themselves and recognize that Ainara’s worldview may not coincide with their own, and her desires conflict with theirs, without trying to impose their will on her. —John Hopewell, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025

The actor felt that Will was not just trapped by his pain but also being pulled in opposite directions—a sentiment Zhao recognized that Shakespeare had captured best. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025

Idaho American Legion leadership started to recognize financial irregularities in late 2023 when notices arrived for an unpaid loan and tax debts. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 15 Dec. 2025

Investigators urged anyone who recognizes the black SUV or knows who owns it to contact the Sheriff’s tip line at 530-889-7853. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for recognize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

recognize

verb

rec·​og·​nize ˈrek-ig-ˌnīz 

ˈrek-əg-

recognized; recognizing

1

: to be willing to admit : acknowledge

recognized my own faults

2

: to admit as qualified to be heard at a meeting

recognizes the delegate from Arkansas

3

: to grant diplomatic recognition to

recognized the new government

4

: to take approving notice of

recognize an act of bravery with a medal

5

: to show one is acquainted with

recognize someone with a nod

6

: to know and remember upon seeing

I didn't recognize you in that new hairdo

recognizability

ˌrek-ig-ˌnī-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

ˌrek-əg-

noun

recognizable

ˈrek-əg-ˌnī-ze-bəl 

ˈrek-ig-

adjective

recognizably

-ˌnī-zə-blē 

adverb

Etymology

derived from early French reconoistre "to recognize," from Latin recognoscere (same meaning), from re- "again" and cognoscere "to know" — related to connoisseur, incognito

Legal Definition

recognize

transitive verb

rec·​og·​nize

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