Definition of "recognize" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To match (something or someone which one currently perceives) to a memory of some previous encounter with the same person or thing.

   • I recognized his face immediately, although his voice was different.

2. (transitive) To acknowledge the existence or legality of; to treat as valid or worthy of consideration.

   • The US and a number of EU countries are expected to recognize Kosovo on Monday.

3. (transitive, or with clause) To acknowledge or consider (as being a certain thing or having a certain quality or property).

   • Slavery is widely recognized as immoral.
   • I recognize that my behaviour has been unacceptable.

4. (transitive) To realize or discover the nature of something; apprehend quality in.

5. (transitive) To show formal appreciation of, as with an award, commendation etc.

   • His services were recognized in a testimonial.
   • The soldier was recognized in dispatches.

6. (obsolete) To review; to examine again.

7. (obsolete) To reconnoiter.

8. (immunology) To have the property to bind to specific antigens.

verb

1. to cognize again