recognize

verb

REK-uhg-nyz/ˈɹɛk.əɡ.naɪz/

Formsrecognizes, recognizing, recognized

9 meanings of recognize

1
know from beforeverbtransitive
To know someone or something because you have seen, heard, or met them before.
I recognize her face from the party last week.
He recognized his old teacher at the grocery store.
Similaridentify, know, place, spot
Note
2
see asverbtransitive
To accept that someone or something is a certain way or has a certain quality.
Like agreeing that something is true once you see the proof.
We recognize him as the rightful leader of the group.
The school recognized her as a gifted young writer.
Similaracknowledge, accept, regard, consider
Note
3
officially acceptverbtransitive
To officially accept that something is real, legal, or worth taking seriously.
Like a referee officially saying that a goal counts.
Many countries recognize the new government.
The court recognized the marriage as legal.
Similaracknowledge, accept, accredit, validate
Oppositereject, deny
Note
4
realizeverbtransitive
To understand the real nature of something, or to see a quality in it.
I recognize the danger in what you are suggesting.
She recognized the problem before it grew any worse.
Similarrealize, perceive, see, appreciate, discern
Oppositeoverlook, ignore
Note
5
honor publiclyverbtransitive
To honor someone or something with an award or public thanks.
Like giving someone a gold star for doing great work.
The city will recognize the volunteers at a special ceremony.
They recognized her years of service with a gold medal.
Similarhonor, acknowledge, commend, reward, salute

Practice

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