acknowledge
uhk-NOL-ihj
Acknowledge (verb) means to accept or admit that something is true. Example: “I have to acknowledge that you were right about the train times.”
verb
1
To accept or admit that something is true.
"I have to acknowledge that you were right about the train times."
"He finally acknowledged that he had made a mistake."
"The report acknowledges several weaknesses in the original plan."
2
To recognize someone or something formally, or to respond confirming receipt of something.
"The shop wrote to acknowledge my complaint and promised a reply within a week."
"She acknowledged his contribution during the awards speech."
"Please acknowledge receipt of this email."
How to use acknowledge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo admit something is true, or to formally recognize someone/something (including confirming you received a message).
Common pairings
acknowledge a mistake
acknowledge receipt
acknowledge someone's help
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- acknowledges
- Past tense
- acknowledged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I have to _____ that you were right about the train times.
Etymology
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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for acknowledge
See all rhymes for acknowledge →Frequently asked questions
What does “acknowledge” mean?
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).
How do you pronounce “acknowledge”?
“Acknowledge” is pronounced uhk-NOL-ihj (/əkˈnɑ.lɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “acknowledge” in a sentence?
Here is “acknowledge” used in a sentence: “He finally acknowledged that he had made a mistake.”
What part of speech is “acknowledge”?
“Acknowledge” is a verb.
Where does the word “acknowledge” come from?
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.
Is “acknowledge” a common word?
“Acknowledge” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “acknowledge” have?
“Acknowledge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to accept or admit that something is true.
What is the difference between "acknowledge" and "admit"?
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.
When should you use "acknowledge" instead of "recognize"?
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.
Is "acknowledge" spelled with a "d" before the "g"?
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.
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