recognize
UK: ˈrek.əɡ.naɪz | US: ˈrek.əɡ.naɪz
vt. to identify someone or something as previously known or encountered
vt. to acknowledge the existence, validity, or legality of something
vt. to show official appreciation or approval (e.g., an award)
recognize = re<again> + cogn<know> + ize<verb suffix>
- re: Latin prefix meaning "again" or "back."
- cogn: From Latin cognoscere ("to know"), related to cognition.
- ize: Verb-forming suffix indicating action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin recognoscere ("to know again"), combining re- (repetition) and cognoscere (to learn/to know). It entered Middle English via Old French reconois-, reflecting the idea of "re-knowing" or recalling something familiar. The modern sense expanded to include formal acknowledgment (e.g., recognizing a government) by the 16th century.
She couldn’t recognize her childhood friend after 20 years.
The government refused to recognize the new policy.
His achievements were recognized with a prestigious award.
The software can recognize faces with high accuracy.
I recognize that this decision may be unpopular.