Recognition
ˌrek.əɡˈnɪʃ.ən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of identifying someone or something, or of knowing something when you see it or experience it.
ˌrek.əɡˈnɪʃ.ən
The act of identifying someone or something.
He showed no recognition of my presence.
💡 Simply: It's like when you see a friend in a crowd and instantly *know* who they are. It's that moment of 'Oh, I know them!' or 'I can tell what that is.'
👶 For kids: When you know who someone is or what something is, like when you see your dog and know it's him!
More Examples
The company's recent success has brought it widespread recognition.
The software can perform face recognition.
How It's Used
"The police used facial recognition to identify the suspect."
"Her sudden recognition of the problem caused a shift in their strategy."
Official or public acceptance, approval, or acknowledgment of someone or something.
ˌrek.əɡˈnɪʃ.ən
Formal acknowledgment or approval.
The artist finally received international recognition.
💡 Simply: It's like getting a gold star or a pat on the back for something good you've done or a country agreeing that another country is legit.
👶 For kids: When someone says 'good job!' or when grown-ups agree that something is real.
More Examples
The government extended diplomatic recognition to the new state.
The award was given in recognition of his contributions to the field.
How It's Used
"The country received official recognition from the United Nations."
"She received recognition for her outstanding sales performance."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
facial recognition
The process of identifying or verifying a person's identity by comparing and matching a facial image against a database of faces.
"The airport uses facial recognition software to identify potential threats."
in recognition of
As an acknowledgment or appreciation of something.
"The company gave him a bonus in recognition of his hard work."
From Middle English recognicion, from Old French reconoissance, from Latin recognitio ('a knowing again, examination, investigation, acknowledgement'), from recognoscere ('to know again'), from re- ('again') + cognoscere ('to get to know').
The word 'recognition' has been used since the 14th century and evolved from legal and religious contexts to broader social and scientific applications.
Memory tip
Think of re-knowing or becoming aware again. It's about identifying what's familiar.
Word Origin
"To know again"