A2verb1K

Recognize

UK /["/ˈrekəɡnaɪz/","/ˈrekəɡnaɪzɪz/","/ˈrekəɡnaɪzd/","/ˈrekəɡnaɪzɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈrekəɡnaɪz/","/ˈrekəɡnaɪzɪz/","/ˈrekəɡnaɪzd/","/ˈrekəɡnaɪzɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to know who somebody is or what something is when you see or hear them or it, because you have seen or heard them or it before

In simple words: to see or know someone or something again

Examples

  • I can recognize her voice even when she is not in the room.
  • It is important to recognize your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Do you recognize this song from the radio?
  • The committee will recognize the contributions of volunteers at the event.
  • I didn't recognize him at first because he changed his hairstyle.

Usage notes

Use 'recognize' when acknowledging something you already know. It's appropriate for everyday conversations but avoid in situations requiring formal language, like legal documents.

Grammar pattern

recognize + object

Memory hint

Think 're-cognize' — it's as if you're cognitively revisiting someone or something.

Collocations

  • immediately
  • instantly
  • correctly
  • learn to
  • be easy to
  • as
  • by
  • from
  • clearly
  • fully
  • belatedly
  • must
  • need to
  • begin to
  • as
  • be commonly recognized
  • be generally recognized
  • be universally recognized
  • clearly
  • federally
  • formally
  • agree to
  • refuse to
  • as
  • be legally recognized
  • a refusal to recognize something

Synonyms

  • acknowledge

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • overlook
  • miss

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'recognize' with 'realize'
  • Using 'recognize' without an object (e.g., 'I recognize' instead of 'I recognize her')
  • Mixing up tenses, like saying 'recognized' instead of 'recognize' in present situations