Recognize
ˈrek.əg.naɪz
Definitions
3 meaningsTo identify someone or something that you have seen or known before.
ˈrek.əg.naɪz
To identify someone or something seen before.
She recognized her old friend from across the street.
💡 Simply: Imagine you bump into a friend you haven't seen in ages. If you know it's them, you recognize them! Like, "Wow, I recognize you, it's been so long!"
👶 For kids: To know who someone is or what something is because you've seen it before.
More Examples
I barely recognized my hometown after all the changes.
He quickly recognized the melody as his favorite song.
How It's Used
"I didn't recognize him with the beard."
"The witness recognized the suspect in the lineup."
To officially accept or acknowledge the existence, validity, or legality of something.
ˈrek.əg.naɪz
To acknowledge the existence, validity, or legality of.
The company finally recognized the union.
💡 Simply: Imagine your parents finally agreeing with your great idea for a project. They recognize it's a good plan! It's like officially saying, “Yes, this is real and important!”
👶 For kids: To say that something is real or okay.
More Examples
The government recognized the need for environmental reforms.
Many countries recognize the importance of human rights.
How It's Used
"The country was quick to recognize the new government."
"The government recognizes the importance of climate change."
To show appreciation or give official credit or thanks for something.
ˈrek.əg.naɪz
To show appreciation for something.
The award recognized the scientist's groundbreaking research.
💡 Simply: Imagine a teacher giving you a gold star for doing a great job. They recognize your good work. It’s like saying, “Good job, we see how awesome you are!”
👶 For kids: To say thank you or good job to someone for doing something good.
More Examples
The school recognized the students' academic achievements.
The company recognized employees for their years of service.
How It's Used
"The company recognized her efforts with a promotion."
"The community recognized the volunteers' contributions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
recognize as
To identify someone or something as being a specific thing or having a particular quality.
"The museum recognized the painting as a masterpiece."
recognize the importance of
To acknowledge that something is significant or valuable.
"The company recognizes the importance of employee well-being."
From Middle English *recognisen*, from Old French *reconnoistre* (to know again, recognize), from Latin *recognoscere* (to know again, examine), from *re-* (again) + *cognoscere* (to get to know, learn).
The word 'recognize' has been used since the 15th century and has evolved to encompass various meanings from identification to acknowledgement.
Memory tip
Think of re-cognition – bringing the cognition (knowledge) back to the person or object.
Word Origin
"to get to know, learn"