Recognise (Verb)
Meaning 1
Detect with the senses; "The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards"; "I can't make out the faces in this photograph".
Classification
Verbs of seeing, hearing, feeling.
Examples
- The faint scent of smoke enabled them to recognise the presence of a wildfire nearby.
- With great difficulty, she could recognise the outline of an island on the horizon.
- As the fog began to lift, it became possible to recognise the figure standing in the distance.
- By listening carefully, the doctor was able to recognise the unusual heartbeat pattern.
- Near the old, abandoned house, the man was able to recognise the faint aroma of rotten fruit.
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Meaning 2
Express obligation, thanks, or gratitude for; "We must acknowledge the kindness she showed towards us".
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- We must recognise the efforts of the volunteers who helped in the disaster relief efforts.
- The company will recognise the years of service of its longest-serving employees at the anniversary celebration.
- We recognise the hard work and dedication that has gone into completing this project on time.
- Her contributions to the field of science are finally starting to be widely recognised and celebrated.
- The award is a way to publicly recognise the outstanding achievements of young entrepreneurs in the community.
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Meaning 3
Be fully aware or cognizant of.
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- She was beginning to recognise the pattern in the artist's latest series of paintings.
- The doctor recognise the symptoms of the disease and decided to run further tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- He struggled to recognise the city after it had been so heavily damaged in the war.
- The researchers worked tirelessly to recognise the different species of plants and animals in the newly discovered ecosystem.
- The audience refused to recognise the authority of the inexperienced speaker, questioning her on every point.
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Meaning 4
Express greetings upon meeting someone.
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- As she walked into the room, she didn't recognise the person approaching her until he mentioned her name.
- It took him a while to recognise the woman who was trying to strike up a conversation with him at the party.
- I didn't recognise my old colleague at first, mainly because he had changed his haircut.
- Her eyes scanned the room until she finally recognised the familiar face of her long-lost friend.
- It was only when he spoke that she recognised the voice of her childhood friend standing right behind her.
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Meaning 5
Grant credentials to; "The Regents officially recognized the new educational institution"; "recognize an academic degree".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The government decides to recognise the new university's law degree as a valid qualification.
- They officially recognised her qualifications and gave her a full scholarship to pursue her further studies.
- Our university recognises your academic achievements from the previous institution and will give you full credits.
- Her foreign medical degree was recognised by the medical council, allowing her to practice in the country.
- The international body recognises that educational institution's certification in environmental conservation and management.
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Meaning 6
Show approval or appreciation of; "My work is not recognized by anybody!"; "The best student was recognized by the Dean".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The Nobel Prize committee has chosen to recognise her groundbreaking research.
- He felt frustrated that his dedication and long working hours were not recognised by his employer.
- Although she received little formal education, the great writer's talent was recognised by prominent literary critics of her time.
- The town's mayor decided to recognise the volunteers' tireless efforts during the floods by awarding them a certificate of appreciation.
- Her colleagues should recognise her exceptional teamwork and willingness to help with difficult projects.
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Meaning 7
Perceive to be the same.
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- I recognise you from the conference last year.
- She struggles to recognise her own voice in recordings.
- It took me a while to recognise my childhood friend after so many years.
- The software uses facial recognition to recognise and tag people in photos.
- After multiple listens, I can finally recognise the artist singing this song.
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Meaning 8
Accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority; "The Crown Prince was acknowledged as the true heir to the throne"; "We do not recognize your gods".
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- The new government was recognised by the international community as the legitimate ruler of the country.
- We will only acknowledge a leader who has been elected by the people.
- The new policy recognises the rights of indigenous communities to manage their own lands.
- The United States has not recognised Palestine as a sovereign state.
- The medical profession recognises alternative therapies as a valid form of treatment in some cases.