acknowledge

The word “acknowledge” means to accept or admit that something is true. In plain terms, to admit something is true, or to formally recognize someone/something (including confirming you received a message).

“Acknowledge” is pronounced uhk-NOL-ihj (/əkˈnɑ.lɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

Here is “acknowledge” used in a sentence: “He finally acknowledged that he had made a mistake.”

“Acknowledge” is a verb.

The word “acknowledge” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Middle English. A blend of two Middle English verbs — one meaning "to recognize" and one meaning "to reveal or admit" — that merged into one word in the 1500s.

“Acknowledge” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Acknowledge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to accept or admit that something is true.

Both can mean accepting that something is true, but "admit" usually implies confessing something reluctant or unfavourable, as in admitting a mistake. "Acknowledge" is more neutral and can simply recognise a fact or a person without any sense of guilt.

Use "acknowledge" when you accept or admit something is true, or formally confirm receipt of something, such as acknowledging an email. Use "recognize" when you identify someone or something as familiar or grant it official status, so acknowledging often adds the idea of a response or admission.

Yes. "Acknowledge" is spelled a-c-k-n-o-w-l-e-d-g-e, with a silent "d" before the "g," and it also begins with a silent "c" after the "a." The related noun keeps this pattern as "acknowledgement," though "acknowledgment" without the middle "e" is also accepted.