B2noun2K

Recognition

UK /["/ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃn/"]/US /["/ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃn/"]/

Definition

the act of remembering who somebody is when you see them, or of identifying what something is

In simple words: When you know someone or something again after seeing or hearing it.

Examples

  • She received recognition for her outstanding work on the project.
  • Recognition of his talents helped him secure a better position.
  • Face recognition technology is becoming increasingly common in smartphones.
  • Recognition of the country's independence was an important diplomatic step.
  • He sought recognition from his peers for his contributions to the field.
  • The award was a form of recognition for the volunteer’s efforts.
  • Recognition of signals is crucial in this computer vision system.
  • International recognition of the treaty took several months to achieve.

Usage notes

Use 'recognition' when discussing acknowledgment of achievements or identities. It is appropriate in both academic and everyday contexts but may sound overly formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

recognition + of/object

Memory hint

Think of 'recognition' as 're-cognition' — remembering something again.

Collocations

  • immediate
  • instant
  • early
  • flicker
  • sign
  • show
  • avoid
  • allow
  • dawn
  • software
  • system
  • technology
  • beyond (all) recognition
  • out of (all) recognition
  • without recognition
  • recognition in somebody’s eyes
  • full
  • special
  • appropriate
  • achieve
  • attain
  • earn somebody
  • come
  • in recognition of
  • without recognition
  • recognition as
  • a lack of recognition
  • recognition of the importance of something
  • recognition of the need for something
  • full
  • special
  • appropriate
  • achieve
  • attain
  • earn somebody
  • come
  • in recognition of
  • without recognition
  • recognition as
  • a lack of recognition
  • recognition of the importance of something
  • recognition of the need for something

Synonyms

  • acknowledgment
  • approval
  • certification
  • validation
  • appraisal

Antonyms

  • disregard
  • neglect
  • ignorance

Common mistakes

  • 'Recognition' is often confused with 'recognize', which is the verb form.
  • Learners sometimes use 'recognition' improperly as if it were a verb.
  • Inappropriate use in informal contexts, as it can sound too formal.