v.tr. (also -ise) 1 identify (a person or thing) as already known; know again. 2 realize or discover the nature of. 3 (foll. by that) realize or admit. 4 acknowledge the existence, validity, character, or claims of. 5 show appreciation of; reward. 6 (foll. by as, for) treat or acknowledge. 7 (of a chairperson etc.) allow (a person) to speak in a debate etc. recognizable n. recognizability n. recognizably adv. recognizer n.
[ OF recon(n)iss- stem of reconnaistre f. L recognoscere recognit- (as RE-, cognoscere learn) ]