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 majority of the employees LinkedIn surveyed recognized that professionals who joined the workforce during the pandemic lack communication and networking skills, as well as the informal cues that traditionally influence office behavior. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 21 Mar. 2024 Shondaland, Beers, SAG-AFTRA and Driver will all be recognized at a new event, SeriesFest Soiree, marking the festival’s 10th anniversary on Friday, May 3. Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, Barbie fans will love that the Little People Collector series has a special-edition set for over 40% off, and avid social media users will recognize the viral dancing cactus toy, which is more than 60% off today. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024 Eventually, casting executives were able to connect the dots and recognized the former model from her centerfold days. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024 The agency is also training health care providers to recognize measles symptoms, particularly in patients with a history of international travel. Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024 This year, the Libera Awards will honor Louis Posen, founder of Hopeless Records, with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his leadership in the independent sector. Paul Grein, Billboard, 20 Mar. 2024 Within weeks of that experiment, parents recognized the catastrophic circumstances that had been imposed on their families. The Editors, National Review, 20 Mar. 2024 Other countries recognize the power and prosperity that comes with being ahead of the curve in this space. Pat Gelsinger, Fortune, 20 Mar. 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 28 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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