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

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 graphic artist often advises clients to specify on announcements or invitations which time zone the event is recognizing. Terry Tang, The Arizona Republic, 9 Mar. 2024 Brands began recognizing the power of virality and started to attempt to manufacture it. Taylor Lorenz, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 The science projects ranged from whether humans can recognize text written by an artificial intelligence chatbot to seeing if the most expensive golf balls roll farther than cheaper ones. Al Gaspeny, arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2024 America deserves leaders who recognize that secure borders, stable prices, safe streets and a strong defense are actually the cornerstones of a great nation. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2024 Locals will recognize some of the artists, such as Romare Bearden, Kerry James Marshall and Kara Walker. James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 Policy-makers should start recognizing the world economy’s fault lines instead of trumpeting its resilience. Desmond Lachman, National Review, 8 Mar. 2024 Beverly has never been nominated for a Grammy – on his own or with Maze. NAACP will recognize winners in non–televised Image Awards categories from March 11-13 on its website, during the Awards Dinner on March 14 and Fashion Show on March 15. Paul Grein, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2024 How To Fight The Beautiful Mess Effect Overcoming the beautiful mess effect involves recognizing that vulnerability is about embracing the imperfections and complexities of being human and recognizing the beauty in authenticity. Mark Travers, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

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

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 18 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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