recognize
REHK-uhg-nyz
Recognize (verb) means to identify someone or something as already known from a previous encounter. Example: “I almost didn't recognize her with short hair.”
verb
1
To identify someone or something as already known from a previous encounter.
"I almost didn't recognize her with short hair."
"Do you recognize this song?"
"You have grown so much that I hardly recognize you now."
2
To formally acknowledge someone or something as valid, true, or deserving.
"The UN refused to recognize the new government."
"Her contribution to the project was finally recognized with an award."
"The school wants to recognize the volunteers who have given their time to the library."
How to use recognize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo identify something as familiar, or to officially accept/acknowledge it.
UK vs US
American spelling; British English often uses "recognise."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
recognize a face
recognize an achievement
officially recognize
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- recognizes
- Past tense
- recognized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I almost didn't _____ her with short hair.
Etymology
From Old French reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere ("to know again"), from re- + cognoscere ("to learn, get to know").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for recognize
See all rhymes for recognize →Frequently asked questions
What does “recognize” mean?
The word “recognize” means to identify someone or something as already known from a previous encounter. In plain terms, to identify something as familiar, or to officially accept/acknowledge it.
How do you pronounce “recognize”?
“Recognize” is pronounced REHK-uhg-nyz (/ˈɹɛk.əɡ.naɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “recognize” in a sentence?
Here is “recognize” used in a sentence: “I almost didn't recognize her with short hair.”
What part of speech is “recognize”?
“Recognize” is a verb.
Where does the word “recognize” come from?
The word “recognize” comes from Latin. From Old French reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere ("to know again"), from re- + cognoscere ("to learn, get to know").
Is “recognize” a common word?
“Recognize” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “recognize” have?
“Recognize” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to identify someone or something as already known from a previous encounter.
What is the difference between recognize and remember?
To recognize is to identify something as familiar when you meet it again — you see a face and know you have encountered it before. To remember is to recall information from memory, often with no cue in front of you. Recognition is triggered by what is present; remembering can happen on its own.
What does it mean to recognize someone?
To recognize someone is to realize you already know them from a past encounter, based on their face, voice, or other features. It is that flash of "I know this person" when you see them again. The word can also mean formally acknowledging someone's status, rights, or achievements.
Can recognition be learned or improved?
Yes. Recognition depends on memory and attention, and both can be trained. Paying closer attention when you first meet someone, linking names to distinctive features, and repeated exposure all strengthen your ability to recognize faces, words, or patterns later. Some people are naturally stronger at it than others.
What are the different meanings of recognize?
"Recognize" has two main senses. The first is identifying something as familiar, like recognizing an old song. The second is acknowledging something officially or with respect — recognizing a country, a person's rights, or an employee's hard work. Both share the idea of knowing and accepting something as real.
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