ˈrekə̇gˌnīz, -kēgˌn- also ÷ -kəˌn- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: see -ize
Etymology: modification (influenced by Latin recognoscere & English -ize ) of Middle French reconoiss- (stem of reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere to know again, recognize, examine, investigate, from re- + cognoscere to know) — more at cognition
transitive verb
1. obsolete
a. : to admit the fact, truth, or validity of
b. : revise , correct
2.
a. : to recall knowledge of : make out as or perceive to be something previously known
recognized her long lost brother
recognized the word when they heard it again
recognized something familiar about the place
b. : to perceive clearly : be fully aware of : realize
recognized that this sort of thing had to stop sometime
3. : to acknowledge formally: as
a. : to admit as being of a particular status
recognized as the legitimate representative
recognized him as king
b. : to admit as being one entitled to be heard (as in a meeting) : give the floor to
c.
(1) : to acknowledge the de facto existence of (as a government in a state)
(2) : to acknowledge the independence of (as a community or body that has thrown off the sovereignty of a state to which it was subject) and treat as independent or as otherwise effective
4. : to acknowledge in some definite way : take notice of: as
a. : to acknowledge with a show of approval or appreciation
recognizing with gratitude what had been done
b. : to acknowledge acquaintance with
refused to recognize him when he walked into the room
c. : to admit the fact or existence of
recognized the obligation
5. : to bind by a recognizance
intransitive verb
: to enter into an obligation of record before a tribunal