Recognize — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈre-kig-ˌnīz/ rec·og·nize

Meaning & Definition of Recognize

Recognize (verb)

  1. to acknowledge formally
  2. to admit as being lord or sovereign
  3. to admit as being of a particular status

Recognize (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to have a clear idea of

    "finally recognized that we were hopelessly lost"

    similar: appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, comprehend, conceive, cotton (to or on to), decipher, decode, dig, discern, get, grasp, grok, intuit, know, make, make out, perceive, register, savvy, see, seize, sense, tumble (to), twig, understand, pick up on
    related: absorb, digest, take in, realize, fathom, penetrate, pierce
    opposite: miss
    near: misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue, misinterpret, misperceive, misread, mistake, misunderstand

  2. to show appreciation, respect, or affection for (someone) with a public celebration

    "an awards banquet to recognize local heroes"

    similar: fete, honor
    related: acknowledge, cite, commend, compliment, credit, thank, extol, glorify, laud, praise, tout, acclaim, applaud, cheer, hail, laureate, salute, celebrate, commemorate, memorialize, observe, congratulate, felicitate
    near: discredit, disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, shame, bad-mouth, defame, libel, malign, slander, boo, hiss, hoot, jeer, censure, condemn, damn, denounce, reprobate, mock, put down, ridicule, slight

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Recognize

The most common words with a similar meaning to Recognize:

appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, comprehend, conceive, cotton (to or on to), decipher, decode, dig, discern, get, grasp, grok, intuit, know, make, make out, perceive, register, savvy, see, seize, sense, tumble (to), twig, understand, fete, honor, pick up on

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Recognize

Words with the opposite meaning of Recognize:

miss

Related Words for Recognize

absorb, digest, take in, realize, fathom, penetrate, pierce, acknowledge, cite, commend, compliment, credit, thank, extol, glorify, laud, praise, tout, acclaim, applaud, cheer, hail, laureate, salute, celebrate, commemorate, memorialize, observe, congratulate, felicitate

Near Antonyms of Recognize

misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue, misinterpret, misperceive, misread, mistake, misunderstand, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, shame, bad-mouth, defame, libel, malign, slander, boo, hiss, hoot, jeer, censure, condemn, damn, denounce, reprobate, mock, put down

Word Forms of Recognize

Inflections: recognized, recognizing

Derived words: recognizability (noun), recognizable (adjective), recognizably (adverb), recognizer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Recognize

modification of Anglo-French reconois-, stem of reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere, from re- + cognoscere to know cognition

First known use: 1537

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Recognize

Frequently Asked Questions about Recognize

What does "Recognize" mean?

"Recognize" means to acknowledge formally. As a verb, it is defined as: to acknowledge formally. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Recognize"?

Other words for "Recognize" include appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch, catch on (to), cognize and compass. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Recognize" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Recognize"?

There are 64 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Recognize". Common alternatives include appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, behold, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, comprehend and conceive.

What is the opposite of "Recognize"?

Antonyms of "Recognize" include miss. Near antonyms include misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue and misinterpret.

How do you use "Recognize" in a sentence?

Examples of "Recognize" in a sentence: "finally recognized that we were hopelessly lost"; "an awards banquet to recognize local heroes".

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

"Recognize" is a verb.

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

As an A2-level word, "Recognize" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Recognize"?

"Recognize" is pronounced /ˈre-kig-ˌnīz/ and divided into syllables as rec·og·nize.