recognized

UK: ˈrek.əɡ.naɪzd | US: ˈrek.əɡ.naɪzd

Definition
  1. adj. formally acknowledged or accepted as valid

  2. vt. identified someone or something from previous encounter

  3. vt. appreciated or admitted the existence of something

Structure
re <again>cogniz <know>ed <past participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "recognized" stems from Latin recognoscere (re- "again" + cognoscere "to know"). The prefix re- implies repetition, while cogniz (from cognoscere) carries the core meaning of "knowing." Over time, the term evolved through Old French reconois- to Middle English recognisen, retaining the idea of "knowing again" or "acknowledging." The suffix -ed marks it as a past participle, indicating completed action. This logical progression—from literal "re-knowing" to metaphorical "acceptance"—reflects its dual modern meanings of identification and validation.

Examples
  1. Her achievements were finally recognized by the scientific community.

  2. He instantly recognized his childhood friend in the crowd.

  3. The government refused to recognize the new political party.

  4. The software can recognize faces with high accuracy.

  5. She barely recognized herself in the old photograph.