noun
recognizance
Recognizance (noun) means a legal promise made to a court that a person will appear when required and behave lawfully, often used as a condition of release. Example: “The judge released him on his own recognizance pending trial.”
noun
1
A legal promise made to a court that a person will appear when required and behave lawfully, often used as a condition of release.
"The judge released him on his own recognizance pending trial."
How to use recognizance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal promise to a court to show up and behave, often used instead of bail.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
released on own recognizance
recognizance bond
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Word forms
- Plural
- recognizances
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The judge released him on his own _____ pending trial.
Etymology
From Old French reconissance — a doublet (a word sharing the same root but taking a different path) of "reconnaissance."
Synonyms
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recognisance
Rhymes for recognizance
See all rhymes for recognizance →Frequently asked questions
What does “recognizance” mean?
The word “recognizance” means a legal promise made to a court that a person will appear when required and behave lawfully, often used as a condition of release. In plain terms, a formal promise to a court to show up and behave, often used instead of bail.
How do you use “recognizance” in a sentence?
Here is “recognizance” used in a sentence: “The judge released him on his own recognizance pending trial.”
What part of speech is “recognizance”?
“Recognizance” is a noun.
Where does the word “recognizance” come from?
The word “recognizance” comes from Old French. From Old French reconissance — a doublet (a word sharing the same root but taking a different path) of "reconnaissance.".
