recognize

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.

“Recognize” is pronounced REHK-uhg-nyz (/ˈɹɛk.əɡ.naɪz/ in IPA).

Here is “recognize” used in a sentence: “I almost didn't recognize her with short hair.”

“Recognize” is a verb.

The word “recognize” comes from Latin. From Old French reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere ("to know again"), from re- + cognoscere ("to learn, get to know").

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

“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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.