Definition

Noun: 1. A statement or action that shows you accept, admit, or recognize something or someone: This is the act of acknowledging. It can be a verbal statement, a written note, or a gesture (like a nod) that confirms awareness, receipt, or the existence of something. 2. The state of being recognized or accepted: This refers to the condition of receiving recognition or validation for one's work, existence, or contributions. 3. ##### (In published works) A section, often at the beginning of a book or thesis, thanking those who helped the author.

Usage and Examples

• As a statement of recognition:
  • She nodded in acknowledgment when I entered the room. (A non-verbal action showing she saw me.)
  • The company issued a formal acknowledgment of the error. (A formal statement admitting a mistake.)
• As an expression of thanks:
  • The author's acknowledgments thanked her family and editors. (A written section expressing gratitude.)
  • He sent a small gift in acknowledgment of their support. (An action taken to show thanks.)
• As confirmation of receipt:
  • I received an acknowledgment of my application via email. (A confirmation that it was received.)
• Referring to the state of being recognized:
  • He worked for years without any public acknowledgment. (He worked without public recognition.)

Advanced Usage

• "In acknowledgment of": This phrase is used to indicate that something is done as a way of recognizing or thanking someone.
  • The award was given in acknowledgment of her lifetime of service.

Variants and Related Words

• Acknowledge (verb): The action from which the noun is derived. To accept, admit, or recognize something.
  • He acknowledged his mistake.
• Acknowledgement: This is an alternative, equally correct spelling of "acknowledgment." Both are accepted.

Synonyms

• Recognition: The act of showing appreciation or acceptance.
• Admission: A statement accepting that something is true, often something unfavorable.
• Confirmation: Official verification that something has been received or is true.
• Thanks / Gratitude: (When used in the sense of expressing appreciation.)

Related Phrases

• To receive acknowledgment: To be recognized or thanked.
  • She finally received acknowledgment for her groundbreaking research.
• A nod of acknowledgment: A small, non-verbal gesture to show you have seen or recognized someone.
  • He gave me a brief nod of acknowledgment from across the street.

Noun

1. a statement acknowledging something or someone
   • she must have seen him but she gave no sign of acknowledgment
   • the preface contained an acknowledgment of those who had helped her
2. a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage
   • the student's essay failed to list several important citations
   • the acknowledgments are usually printed at the front of a book
   • the article includes mention of similar clinical cases
3. the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged
   • the partners were delighted with the recognition of their work
   • she seems to avoid much in the way of recognition or acknowledgement of feminist work prior to her own