recognize
verb
rec·og·nize
ˈre-kig-ˌnīz 
-kəg-
recognized; recognizing
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
recognizer
noun
Synonyms
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
The Michelin Guide Spain 2024 also distributed 12 new Green Stars, an award recognizing the initiatives and special efforts made by restaurants in the area of gastronomic sustainability.
—
Isabelle Kliger, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
The more aggressive elements of Netanyahu's government recognize the conflict is at a key juncture.
—Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 29 Nov. 2023
While this suggested the birds recognized their mates, the researchers hadn’t yet demonstrated that the spots were the identifying trait.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Nov. 2023
In June, the American Medical Association formally recognized that BMI should not be used alone as a health measure.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 29 Nov. 2023
On Wednesday, a group of instructors, including Garretson, is asking the institution’s administration to voluntarily recognize the United Auto Workers as the bargaining representative for a group of roughly 250 part-time and adjunct workers.
—Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Nov. 2023
The Equity in Entertainment Award was came about in 2016 to recognize figure in entertainment that demonstrated deep effort to break racial, cultural, gender and identity barriers in Hollywood.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 28 Nov. 2023
Day two, chapter two, awards are given to the singers according to the genre category, recognizing their achievements and the performances throughout the past year.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 28 Nov. 2023
He was recognized with the 2022 BET Lifetime Achievement Award and with the Global Icon Award at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.
—Saba Hamedy, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2023
See More
Isabelle Kliger, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
The more aggressive elements of Netanyahu's government recognize the conflict is at a key juncture.
—Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 29 Nov. 2023
While this suggested the birds recognized their mates, the researchers hadn’t yet demonstrated that the spots were the identifying trait.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Nov. 2023
In June, the American Medical Association formally recognized that BMI should not be used alone as a health measure.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 29 Nov. 2023
On Wednesday, a group of instructors, including Garretson, is asking the institution’s administration to voluntarily recognize the United Auto Workers as the bargaining representative for a group of roughly 250 part-time and adjunct workers.
—Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Nov. 2023
The Equity in Entertainment Award was came about in 2016 to recognize figure in entertainment that demonstrated deep effort to break racial, cultural, gender and identity barriers in Hollywood.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 28 Nov. 2023
Day two, chapter two, awards are given to the singers according to the genre category, recognizing their achievements and the performances throughout the past year.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 28 Nov. 2023
He was recognized with the 2022 BET Lifetime Achievement Award and with the Global Icon Award at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.
—Saba Hamedy, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recognize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near recognize
Cite this Entry
“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recognize. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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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
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
More from Merriam-Webster on recognize
Nglish: Translation of recognize for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of recognize for Arabic Speakers
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