recognize
verb
rec·og·nize
ˈre-kig-ˌnīz 
-kəg-
recognized; recognizing
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
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 university is systematically revising curricula to embed AI across disciplines, recognizing both student demand and workforce needs.
—
Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Jones detailed that a toe tap allows a hitter to create space and recognize a pitch better.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
The Michigan governor’s comments on Biden come after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was asked about the new book, which states that Biden did not recognize Hollywood icon George Clooney.
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2025
They were both recognized by the Recording Academy for Melodrama when it was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for recognize
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Jones detailed that a toe tap allows a hitter to create space and recognize a pitch better.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
The Michigan governor’s comments on Biden come after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was asked about the new book, which states that Biden did not recognize Hollywood icon George Clooney.
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2025
They were both recognized by the Recording Academy for Melodrama when it was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for recognize
Cite this Entry
“Recognize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recognize. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
recognize
verb
rec·og·nize
ˈrek-ig-ˌnīz
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
Etymology
derived from early French reconoistre "to recognize," from Latin recognoscere (same meaning), from re- "again" and cognoscere "to know" — related to connoisseur, incognito
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