acknowledge

verb

uhk-NAH-lij/əkˈnɑ.lɪd͡ʒ/UKuhk-NOL-ij/əkˈnɒl.ɪd͡ʒ/

Formsacknowledges, acknowledging, acknowledged

5 meanings of acknowledge

1
verbtransitive
To say or accept that something is true or real.
He refused to acknowledge the problem with the car.
She finally acknowledged that she had broken the window.
Similaradmit, concede, recognize, accept, grant
Oppositedeny, dispute, reject
Note
2
verbtransitive
To accept someone or something as having a certain place, power, or role.
He would not acknowledge the boy as his son.
The whole village acknowledged her as their new leader.
Similarrecognize, accept, credit
Oppositereject, repudiate, disown
Note
3
verbtransitive
To tell someone you got the message they sent.
Like waving back when someone waves at you: you show that their message reached you.
Please acknowledge my text when you see it.
The office acknowledged her letter the very next day.
Similarconfirm
Oppositeignore
Note
4
verbtransitive
To show that you are thankful for something someone did for you.
She sent a card to acknowledge their kindness during her illness.
He acknowledged the gift with a warm thank-you note.
Similarrecognize
Oppositeignore
5
verbtransitive
To state in an official way that a document is real and that you signed it.
She had to acknowledge the sale papers in front of a court official.
He acknowledged the deed to the house before it could be filed.
Similarauthenticate, affirm, validate
Oppositerepudiate, deny
Note

Practice

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Origin

This word appeared around 1553. It is a mix of two old English verbs: 'aknowen' (to recognize) and 'knowlechen' (to reveal or acknowledge), which is linked to the word 'knowledge'.