acknowledge

ac|knowl|edge

W3S3 [əkˈnɔlıdʒ US -ˈna:-] v [T]

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1¦(admit)¦

2¦(recognize something's importance)¦

3¦(accept somebody's authority)¦

4¦(thank)¦

5¦(show you notice somebody)¦

6¦(say you have received something)¦

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[Date: 1400-1500; Origin: ac- (as in accord) + knowledge]

1.) ¦(ADMIT)¦

to admit or accept that something is true or that a situation exists

▪ The family acknowledge the need for change.

acknowledge that

▪ He acknowledges that when he's tired he gets bad-tempered.

▪ Claire acknowledged that she was guilty.

▪ The government must acknowledge what is happening and do something about it.

▪ 'Maybe you are right,' she acknowledged.

▪ This is a fact that most smokers readily acknowledge .

2.) ¦(RECOGNIZE SOMETHING'S IMPORTANCE)¦ [usually passive]

if people acknowledge something, they recognize how good or important it is

acknowledge sth as sth

▪ The film festival is acknowledged as an event of international importance.

be widely/generally acknowledged to be sth

▪ The mill produces what is widely acknowledged to be the finest wool in the world.

3.) ¦(ACCEPT SOMEBODY'S AUTHORITY)¦

to accept that someone or something has authority over people

▪ Both defendants refused to acknowledge the authority of the court.

acknowledge sb as sth

▪ Many of the poor acknowledged him as their spiritual leader.

4.) ¦(THANK)¦

to publicly announce that you are grateful for the help that someone has given you

▪ We wish to acknowledge the support of the university.

5.) ¦(SHOW YOU NOTICE SOMEBODY)¦

to show someone that you have noticed them or heard what they have said

▪ Tom acknowledged her presence by a brief glance.

6.) ¦(SAY YOU HAVE RECEIVED SOMETHING)¦

to let someone know that you have received something from them

▪ I would be grateful if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter.