- recognize
- rec|og|nizeW1S1 also recognise BrE [ˈrekəgnaız, ˈrekən-] v [T][Date: 1400-1500; : Old French; Origin: reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere, from cognoscere 'to know']1.) [not in progressive]to know who someone is or what something is, because you have seen, heard, experienced, or learned about them in the past▪ I didn't recognize you in your uniform.▪ It was malaria, but Dr Lee hadn't recognized the symptoms.see usage note ↑realize2.) to officially accept that an organization, government, document etc has legal or official authority▪ British medical qualifications are recognized in Canada.recognize sth as sth▪ The World Health Organization has recognized alcoholism as a disease since 1951.3.) to accept or admit that something is truerecognize (that)▪ One must recognise that homesickness is natural.recognize what/how/who etc▪ It is important to recognize how little we know about this disease.see usage note ↑realize4.) [usually in passive]if something is recognized by people, they realize that it is important or very good▪ Alexander tried to get his work recognized by the medical profession.be recognized as sth▪ Lawrence's novel was eventually recognized as a work of genius.▪ a recognized authority on Roman pottery5.) to officially and publicly thank someone for something they have done, by giving them a special honour▪ He was recognized for having saved many lives.>recognizable [ˈrekəgnaızəbəl, -kən- ˌrekəgˈnaı-] adj▪ His face was instantly recognizable .>recognizably adv
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.