Recognition — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌre-kig-ˈni-shən/ rec·og·ni·tion

Meaning & Definition of Recognition

Recognition (noun)

  1. the action of recognizing, the state of being recognized
  2. acknowledgment; especially, formal acknowledgment of the political existence of a government or nation
  3. knowledge or feeling that someone or something present has been encountered before

Recognition (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. ability to positively identify someone or something

    "The research concerns the capacity for pattern recognition in dogs."

    similar: detection, identification, spotting, apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind, perception, thought, understanding, advisement, care, concern, consideration, regard, watch, advertence, advertency, attention, awareness, cognizance, consciousness, ear, eye, heed, knowledge, mindfulness, note, notice, observance, observation, hyperawareness, hyperconsciousness
    opposite: disregard, neglect, obliviousness, unawareness

  2. the state of being publicly acknowledged or known for something (such as an achievement)

    "The group was pleased to finally receive recognition for their groundbreaking work."

    similar: acclaim, accolade, acknowledgment, homage, kudos, laurels, praise, infamy, character, mark, name, report, reputability, reputation, repute, cachet, place, position, prestige, rank, standing, stature, status, megastardom, popularity, stardom, superstardom, distinction, eminence, glory, greatness, honor, illustriousness, note, preeminence, prominence, visibility, adoration, idolization, celebrity, fame, notoriety, renown
    opposite: disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, ignominy, odium, opprobrium, shame, inconspicuousness, invisibility, unpopularity, anonymity, oblivion, obscureness, obscurity

Related Entry: Self-recognition (noun)

Self-recognition is a different word from Recognition. The synonyms below are for self-recognition, not for recognition.

  1. as in self-awareness, self-consciousness

    similar: self-analysis, self-awareness, self-consciousness, introspection, self-contemplation, self-examination, self-observation, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, self-searching, soul-searching, introversion, self-absorption, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-involvement, self-actualization, self-discovery, self-exploration, self-fulfillment, self-realization, self-knowledge, self-revelation, self-concept, self-image, self-perception, contemplation, meditation, reflection, rumination

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Recognition

The most common words with a similar meaning to Recognition:

detection, identification, spotting, apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind, perception, thought, understanding, advisement, care, concern, consideration, regard, watch, advertence, advertency, attention, awareness, cognizance, consciousness, ear, eye, heed, knowledge, mindfulness, note, notice, observance, observation, hyperawareness, hyperconsciousness, acclaim, accolade, acknowledgment, homage, kudos, laurels, praise

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Recognition

Words with the opposite meaning of Recognition:

disregard, neglect, obliviousness, unawareness, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, ignominy, odium, opprobrium, shame, inconspicuousness, invisibility, unpopularity, anonymity, oblivion, obscureness, obscurity

Origin & Etymology of Recognition

Middle English recognicion, from Anglo-French recognition, from Latin recognition-, recognitio, from recognoscere

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Recognition

Words & Phrases Containing Recognition

self-recognition, beyond (all) recognition

Frequently Asked Questions about Recognition

What does "Recognition" mean?

"Recognition" means the action of recognizing, the state of being recognized. As a noun, it is defined as: the action of recognizing, the state of being recognized. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Recognition"?

Other words for "Recognition" include detection, identification, spotting, apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind and perception. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Recognition" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Recognition"?

There are 75 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Recognition". Common alternatives include detection, identification, spotting, apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind, perception, thought and understanding.

What is the opposite of "Recognition"?

Antonyms of "Recognition" include disregard, neglect, obliviousness, unawareness, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute and ignominy.

How do you use "Recognition" in a sentence?

Examples of "Recognition" in a sentence: "The research concerns the capacity for pattern recognition in dogs."; "The group was pleased to finally receive recognition for their groundbreaking work.".

Is "Recognition" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Recognition" is a noun.

Is "Recognition" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Recognition" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Recognition"?

"Recognition" is pronounced /ˌre-kig-ˈni-shən/ and divided into syllables as rec·og·ni·tion.