Definition

1. Verb:
   • To identify as known or previously seen: To perceive someone or something as familiar from past experience or knowledge.
   • To acknowledge the existence, validity, or legality of something: To accept or admit the truth, status, or authority of a fact, government, or institution.
   • To show appreciation or approval, often publicly: To give formal acknowledgment or credit for an achievement or service.
   • To be fully aware or cognizant of a fact or situation: To understand or accept something clearly.

Examples of Usage

• To identify:
  • I didn't recognize you with your new haircut.
  • The software can recognize faces in a crowd.
• To acknowledge validity/authority:
  • The country refused to recognize the new regime.
  • The court recognized her right to the property.
• To show appreciation:
  • The ceremony was held to recognize the volunteers' hard work.
  • His contributions were recognized with an award.
• To be aware of:
  • We must recognize the seriousness of this problem.
  • He finally recognized his own mistake.

Advanced Usage

• "Recognize as": To officially acknowledge someone or something as having a particular status or quality.
  • The building is recognized as a national monument.
• "Recognize that...": Used to introduce a clause stating a fact one acknowledges.
  • I recognize that I was wrong.

Variants and Related Words

• Recognition (n): The action of recognizing; the state of being recognized.
  • She received recognition for her scientific discovery.
• Recognizable (adj): Able to be recognized or identified.
  • The logo is instantly recognizable.
• Recognized (adj): Generally accepted or officially acknowledged.
  • He is a recognized expert in the field.

Synonyms

• Identify: To establish the identity of someone or something.
• Acknowledge: To accept or admit the existence or truth of.
• Appreciate: To recognize the full worth or value of.
• Accept: To receive or admit as valid or correct.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Recognize in: To identify someone within a group or setting.
  • Can you recognize your friend in this old photo?

Related Idioms

• A recognized fact: Something that is generally known and accepted to be true.
  • It's a recognized fact that exercise improves health.
• To give someone their due/recognize someone's due: To acknowledge what someone deserves, especially praise or credit.
  • You have to give him his due; he worked very hard on this project.

Verb

1. show approval or appreciation of
   • My work is not recognized by anybody!
   • The best student was recognized by the Dean
2. exhibit recognition for (an antigen or a substrate)
3. express obligation, thanks, or gratitude for
   • We must acknowledge the kindness she showed towards us
4. express greetings upon meeting someone
5. grant credentials to
   • The Regents officially recognized the new educational institution
   • recognize an academic degree
6. perceive to be the same
7. detect with the senses
   • The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards
   • I can't make out the faces in this photograph
8. be fully aware or cognizant of
9. accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority
   • The Crown Prince was acknowledged as the true heir to the throne
   • We do not recognize your gods