( BrE also rec·og·nise ) / ˈrekəgnaɪz; NAmE / verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1.
[ vn ] recognize sb/sth (by / from sth) to know who sb is or what sth is when you see or hear them, because you have seen or heard them or it before :
I recognized him as soon as he came in the room.
Do you recognize this tune?
I recognized her by her red hair.
➡ note at identify
2.
recognize sth (as sth) to admit or to be aware that sth exists or is true
SYN acknowledge :
[ vn ]
They recognized the need to take the problem seriously.
Drugs were not recognized as a problem then.
[ v wh- ]
Nobody recognized how urgent the situation was.
[ v that ]
We recognized that the task was not straightforward.
[ vn that ]
It was recognized that this solution could only be temporary.
[also vn to inf ]
3.
recognize sb/sth (as sth) to accept and approve of sb/sth officially :
[ vn ]
recognized qualifications
The UK has refused to recognize the new regime.
[ vn to inf ]
He is recognized to be their natural leader.
HELP NOTE : This pattern is usually used in the passive.
4.
[ vn ] be recognized (as sth) to be thought of as very good or important by people in general :
The book is now recognized as a classic.
She's a recognized authority on the subject.
5.
[ vn ] to give sb official thanks for sth that they have done or achieved :
His services to the state were recognized with the award of a knighthood.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (earliest attested as a term in Scots law): from Old French reconniss- , stem of reconnaistre , from Latin recognoscere know again, recall to mind, from re- again + cognoscere learn.