recognize

verb

rec·​og·​nize ˈre-kig-ˌnīz How to pronounce recognize (audio)
-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 noun
recognizable adjective
recognizably adverb
recognizer noun

Example Sentences

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 Then, recognize them for their great ideas and highlight them in companywide meetings—37% of employees cite recognition from their managers as the most important method to improving engagement. Steve Ohanians, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2023 Bravo viewers may recognize the boxer from Summer House, as he was featured on the reality show's Feb. 27 episode. Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2023 Wesley Yates, Beaumont United: Fans of Dallas-area basketball may recognize this name. Dallas News, 6 Mar. 2023 For better or worse, those who have seen AmEx’s other lounge locations will immediately recognize the design aesthetic. Chris Dong, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Mar. 2023 The Airport Service Quality Awards, announced on Monday, recognize the world’s best airports for customer experience. Marnie Hunter, CNN, 6 Mar. 2023 Travelers in Anchorage may not recognize some of the names of these small-plane operators: Alaska Seaplanes, Ryan Air or Yute Air Taxi. Scott Mcmurren, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Mar. 2023 Anyone who has seen the Nicks twirl on stage in layers of velvet and lace will recognize elements of the legendary singer’s style in Daisy’s performance attire, with big sleeves and billowy fabrics. Emma Fraser, ELLE, 3 Mar. 2023 That book is written by Charles Soule, a name fans may recognize for writing various other Star Wars comics (including Darth Vader) and novels, and also famous runs writing both Daredevil and She-Hulk. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 1 Mar. 2023 See More

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.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of recognize was in 1537

Dictionary Entries Near recognize

Cite this Entry

“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recognize. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

recognize

verb
rec·​og·​nize ˈrek-ig-ˌnīz How to pronounce recognize (audio)
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 noun
recognizable adjective
recognizably 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

More from Merriam-Webster on recognize

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