The meaning of RECOGNIZE is to acknowledge formally. How to use recognize in a sentence.

RECOGNIZE definition: 1. to know someone or something because you have seen or heard him or her or experienced it before…. Learn more.

Recognize definition: to identify as something or someone previously seen, known, etc... See examples of RECOGNIZE used in a sentence.

She didn't recognize me at first. Doctors are trained to recognize the symptoms of depression. If you recognize something such as a problem, you accept that it exists. Governments are beginning to …

Sep 28, 2025 · recognize (third-person singular simple present recognizes, present participle recognizing, simple past and past participle recognized) (North American and Oxford British spelling)

to acknowledge or accept formally a specified factual or legal situation: to recognize a successful revolutionary regime as the de facto government of the country.

To be aware of as something or someone known before, or as the same as that known. To recognize an old friend after many years.

to identify (someone or something) from previous experience or contact with that person or thing. She recognized the man as a former neighbor. His face was covered in dirt, and it took me a moment to …

To know or identify from past experience or knowledge: recognize hostility. 3. To perceive or show acceptance of the validity or reality of: recognizes the concerns of the tenants. 4. To permit to …

If you recognize someone or something, you know who that person is or what that thing is. The receptionist recognized him at once.