Acknowledge
/ˈæk.nɒl.ɪdʒ/
verbIntermediateVery CommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
to recognize the truth or existence of something
/ˈæk.nɒl.ɪdʒ/
verbneutralIntermediate
General
accept or admit the existence or truth of
The company acknowledged its responsibility for the accident.
💡 Simply: admit or recognize
More Examples
2
She acknowledged his presence with a nod.
How It's Used
General
"He acknowledged his mistake and apologized."
Late 15th century (in the sense 'admit, confess'): from Old French acknowleder, from ecclesiastical Latin acknowledere 'confess, admit', from ad- 'to' + confiteri 'confess'.
Originally used in a religious context in the late 15th century, acknowledge has expanded in modern usage to secular contexts.
Memory tip
Acknowledge = admit + know
Practice
Base: acknowledge
acknowledgacknowledgementacknolageacnowledge
Usage
80%Spoken
20%Written