[rec.og.nize] vt -nized ; -niz.ing [modif. of MF reconoiss-, stem of reconoistre, fr. L recognoscere, fr. re- + cognoscere to know--more at cognition] (ca. 1532) 1: to acknowledge formally: as a: to admit as being lord or sovereign b: to admit as being of a particular status c: to admit as being one entitled to be heard: give the floor to d: to acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of
2: to acknowledge or take notice of in some definite way: as a: to acknowledge with a show of appreciation "~ an act of bravery with the award of a medal" b: to acknowledge acquaintance with "~ a neighbor with a nod" 3 a: to perceive to be something or someone previously known "recognized the word" b: to perceive clearly: realize -- rec.og.niz.abil.i.ty n -- rec.og.niz.able adj -- rec.og.niz.ably adv -- rec.og.niz.er n