The word ‘Recognize’ (Verb) describes the act of identifying, acknowledging, or being aware of something or someone, often by remembering a previous encounter or by noticing certain features. In this guide, you’ll learn the full definition, synonyms, antonyms, etymology, and real-life examples of how to use ‘Recognize’ correctly in sentences.
Recognize Explained in Depth
A complete and detailed guide to the word ‘Recognize’ including meaning, definition, examples, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms.
Meanings of Recognize
Recognize means to identify or become aware of someone or something because you’ve seen or experienced it before. It also means to acknowledge or accept the existence, validity, or legality of something. In everyday conversation,
it can refer to anything from spotting a familiar face in a crowd to formally acknowledging someone’s achievements or contributions.
Definition
Recognize is a verb that refer to identify someone or something from previous encounters or knowledge. It also means to accept or acknowledge the validity, existence, or status of something or someone.
The word often carries the sense of becoming aware of or paying attention to something you might already know or have encountered before.
Etymology
The word “recognize” comes from the Latin “recognoscere,” which means “to know again” or “to recollect.” This Latin root combines “re-” meaning “again” and “cognoscere” meaning “to know.” Over time, it evolved into the Old French “reconoistre” and then into the Middle English “recognisen.” Today, it carries the sense of recalling, identifying, and acknowledging.
Example Sentences
- I instantly recognized her voice on the phone.
- He failed to recognize the importance of the meeting.
- The committee recognized her contributions with an award.
Recognize Synonyms
- Identify
- Acknowledge
- Discern
- Notice
- Recall
- Detect
- Realize
- Spot
- Distinguish
- Appreciate
Recognize Antonyms
- Ignore
- Overlook
- Forget
- Neglect
- Disregard
- Miss
- Confuse
- Mistake
- Misidentify
- Misunderstand
FAQs about Recognize
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the word “Recognize”
1. What does “recognize” actually mean?
“Recognize” means to identify or acknowledge something or someone that you’ve seen or experienced before. It can also mean accepting the validity or status of something officially or personally.
2. Can “recognize” be used in different contexts?
Yes, “recognize” can refer to personal memory (like recognizing a friend), formal acknowledgment (like recognizing someone’s achievement), or legal acknowledgment (like recognizing a law or decision).
3. Is “recognize” always a positive word?
Not necessarily. While often neutral or positive (acknowledging achievements, identifying someone), it can also involve negative contexts (recognizing an error or problem).
4. How is “recognize” different from “realize”?
“Recognize” usually means identifying something from prior knowledge or experience, while “realize” means becoming aware of something you didn’t know or understand before.
5. Can I use “recognize” in casual conversation?
Yes, “recognize” is commonly used in everyday language. For example, “I recognize that song!” or “Do you recognize that man over there?”