Meaning & Definition of Recognize in English
English⟶
Recognize
/rɛkəgnaɪz/
verb
1. 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"
synonym:
- acknowledge,
- recognize,
- recognise,
- know
2. Be fully aware or cognizant of
synonym:
- recognize,
- recognise,
- realize,
- realise,
- agnize,
- agnise
3. 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"
synonym:
- spot,
- recognize,
- recognise,
- distinguish,
- discern,
- pick out,
- make out,
- tell apart
4. Perceive to be the same
synonym:
- recognize,
- recognise
5. Grant credentials to
- "The regents officially recognized the new educational institution"
- "Recognize an academic degree"
synonym:
- accredit,
- recognize,
- recognise
6. Express greetings upon meeting someone
synonym:
- greet,
- recognize,
- recognise
7. Express obligation, thanks, or gratitude for
- "We must acknowledge the kindness she showed towards us"
synonym:
- acknowledge,
- recognize,
- recognise
8. Exhibit recognition for (an antigen or a substrate)
synonym:
- recognize
9. Show approval or appreciation of
- "My work is not recognized by anybody!"
- "The best student was recognized by the dean"
synonym:
- recognize,
- recognise
Examples of using
I have to recognize the source of your quotations.
I recognize Tom by voice.
Tom was certain that he would recognize Mary when he saw her.