Recognized
[ˈrekəɡnaɪzd]
Definitions
3 meaningsTo identify someone or something seen before.
[ˈrekəɡnaɪzd]
To identify someone or something from having encountered them before; to know again.
I recognized the melody from my childhood.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see your best friend at the grocery store. You instantly know it's them! That's recognizing.
👶 For kids: When you know someone or something because you've seen it before.
More Examples
She recognized him instantly despite his disguise.
The company was recognized for its innovative practices.
The government recognized the new country.
How It's Used
"He recognized her from a photograph."
"The court recognized the validity of the contract."
To accept or acknowledge the existence or validity of something.
[ˈrekəɡnaɪzd]
To acknowledge the existence, validity, or legality of.
The government recognized the refugees.
💡 Simply: Like when a country says another country is real and has its own rules. Or, when you understand how important someone’s work is, you recognize it.
👶 For kids: To say something is real or true.
More Examples
The international community recognized their rights.
She felt her hard work had finally been recognized.
The company was recognized for its sustainable practices.
How It's Used
"The United Nations recognized the new nation."
"The committee recognized the contributions of the volunteers."
To give formal acknowledgement, especially of someone's merit or achievements; to honor or reward.
[ˈrekəɡnaɪzd]
To show appreciation or admiration for; to reward.
The school recognized the top students at the graduation ceremony.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone has done something amazing, like helping people. When you say 'Wow, that's great!' or give them a prize, you're recognizing them.
👶 For kids: To say 'good job' or give a prize to someone for doing something great.
More Examples
The community recognized her for her contributions to the arts.
The company recognized his years of service with a special gift.
They recognized the team's efforts with a bonus.
How It's Used
"The company recognized employees with bonuses for their outstanding performance."
"The community recognized the veteran's service with a parade."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
recognized authority
Someone whose expertise and opinion are widely respected in a specific field.
"He is a recognized authority on ancient history."
From Middle English recognisen, from Old French reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere ('to know again, recall'), from re- ('again') + cognoscere ('to get to know').
The word has existed since the 15th century. In older texts, it could also mean 'to examine carefully'.
Memory tip
Think of RE- (again) + COGNIZE (know): know again, or identify.
Word Origin
"to know again, recall"