Pronunciation: ' re-kig- ˌ n ī z, -k ə g-
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -nized ; -niz · ing
Etymology: modification of Anglo-French reconois-, stem of reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere, from re- + cognoscere to know ― more at COGNITION
Date: circa 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 < recognize an act of bravery with the award of a medal> b : to acknowledge acquaintance with < recognize 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 \ ˌ re-kig- ˌ n ī -z ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē , -k ə g- \ noun
– rec · og · niz · able \ ' re-k ə g- ˌ n ī -z ə -b ə l, -kig- \ adjective
– rec · og · niz · ably \ -bl ē \ adverb
– rec · og · niz · er noun