recognize

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority
  2. verb be fully aware or cognizant of
  3. verb detect with the senses

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French reconoistre, from Old French reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere, first attested in the 16th century. Displaced native English acknow (“to recognize, perceive as”), compare German erkennen and Swedish erkänna. Latin had rare recognizare (“to try by jury”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

acknowledge, recognise, know

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