— acknowledgeable , adj. — acknowledger , n.
/ak nol"ij/ , v.t., acknowledged, acknowledging .
1. to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of: to acknowledge one's mistakes.
2. to show or express recognition or realization of: to acknowledge an acquaintance by nodding.
3. to recognize the authority, validity, or claims of: The students acknowledged the authority of the student council.
4. to show or express appreciation or gratitude for: to acknowledge a favor.
5. to indicate or make known the receipt of: to acknowledge a letter.
6. to take notice of or reply to: to acknowledge a greeting.
7. Law. to confirm as binding or of legal force: to acknowledge a deed.
[ 1475-85; acknowleche, appar. either ME aknou ( en ) to recognize (OE oncnawan; see A- 1 , KNOW) + -leche n. suffix (OE * -laece, by-form of -lac; cf. KNOWLEDGE, WEDLOCK); or b. aknouen and knouleche KNOWLEDGE; then a - was mistaken for AC- ]
Syn. 1. concede, confess, grant. ACKNOWLEDGE, ADMIT, CONFESS agree in the idea of declaring something to be true. ACKNOWLEDGE implies making a statement reluctantly, often about something previously denied: to acknowledge a fault. ADMIT especially implies acknowledging something under pressure: to admit a charge. CONFESS usually means stating somewhat formally an admission of wrongdoing, crime, or shortcoming: to confess guilt; to confess an inability to understand.
Ant. 1. deny, disclaim, disavow.