noun Uncommon

reconnaissance

rih-KO-nih-suhns

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Reconnaissance (noun) means the act of exploring or observing an area to gather information, especially before military action. Example: “The pilots flew a reconnaissance mission over enemy territory.”

noun

The act of exploring or observing an area to gather information, especially before military action.

"The pilots flew a reconnaissance mission over enemy territory."

"The third member, Sergeant Pieter Rousseau, had been with the back-up teams at the Hub; he was an expert on space reconnaissance instrumentation, but on this trip he would have to depend on his own eyes and a small portable telescope." — Arthur C. Clarke, Rendezvous with Rama (1973)

How to use reconnaissance

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishScouting or gathering information about an area, usually before military or strategic action.

Easily confused with

recognizance →

Common pairings

reconnaissance mission aerial reconnaissance conduct reconnaissance

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: reconnaissances

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pilots flew a _____ mission over enemy territory.

Etymology

Borrowed from French reconnaissance, "recognition" — a doublet of "recognizance," both descending from the same Latin root.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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reconnaissance mission

Rhymes for reconnaissance

lance dance Nance seance chance nuance trance stance glance balance advance finance

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Frequently asked questions

What does “reconnaissance” mean?

The word “reconnaissance” means the act of exploring or observing an area to gather information, especially before military action. In plain terms, scouting or gathering information about an area, usually before military or strategic action.

How do you pronounce “reconnaissance”?

“Reconnaissance” is pronounced rih-KO-nih-suhns (/ɹɪˈkɒnɪsəns/ in IPA).

How do you use “reconnaissance” in a sentence?

Here is “reconnaissance” used in a sentence: “The pilots flew a reconnaissance mission over enemy territory.”

What part of speech is “reconnaissance”?

“Reconnaissance” is a noun.

Where does the word “reconnaissance” come from?

The word “reconnaissance” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French reconnaissance, "recognition" — a doublet of "recognizance," both descending from the same Latin root.

Is “reconnaissance” a common word?

“Reconnaissance” is an uncommon word in modern English.