/ əkˈnɒlɪdʒ; NAmE əkˈnɑːl-/ verb
ADMIT
1.
to accept that sth is true :
[ vn ]
She refuses to acknowledge the need for reform.
a generally acknowledged fact
[ v that ]
I did not acknowledge that he had done anything wrong.
[ vn to inf ]
It is generally acknowledged to be true.
[also v -ing ] ➡ note at admit
ACCEPT STATUS
2.
acknowledge sb/sth (as sth) to accept that sb/sth has a particular authority or status
SYN recognize :
[ vn ]
The country acknowledged his claim to the throne.
[ vn , vn to inf ]
He is widely acknowledged as the best player in the world.
He is widely acknowledged to be the best player in the world.
REPLY TO LETTER
3.
[ vn ] to tell sb that you have received sth that they sent to you :
All applications will be acknowledged.
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.
SMILE / WAVE
4.
[ vn ] to show that you have noticed sb/sth by smiling, waving, etc. :
I was standing right next to her, but she didn't even acknowledge me.
EXPRESS THANKS
5.
[ vn ] to publicly express thanks for help you have been given :
I gratefully acknowledge financial support from several local businesses.
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent.: from the obsolete Middle English verb knowledge , influenced by obsolete acknow acknowledge, confess .