recognize
B1Neutral to formal (depending on context). Common in all registers.
Definition
Meaning
To identify someone or something that you have seen, heard, or experienced before.
To accept, acknowledge, or understand the existence, validity, legality, or significance of something; to show official appreciation, for example with an award.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb implies a process of matching current perception with stored knowledge or memory. In formal contexts, it can denote granting official status or diplomatic acceptance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a spelling difference: BrE 'recognise' vs. AmE 'recognize'. No difference in meaning or pronunciation.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally common and central in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
recognize + NP (object)recognize + that-clauserecognize + NP + as + NP/adjrecognize + wh-clausebe recognized + for + NP (reason)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “recognize (someone/something) for what (they/it) is”
- “a recognized fact”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board must recognize the financial risks involved in the merger.
Academic
The study recognizes several limitations in its current methodology.
Everyday
I didn't recognize you with your new haircut!
Technical
The software uses AI to recognize patterns in the data.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I recognised the tune from an old film.
- The government finally recognised the new state.
- She was recognised for her years of service.
American English
- I recognized the tune from an old movie.
- The government finally recognized the new state.
- She was recognized for her years of service.
adverb
British English
- His style is recognisably influenced by Japanese art.
American English
- His style is recognizably influenced by Japanese art.
adjective
British English
- He is a internationally recognised expert in the field.
- There was a barely recognisable path through the woods.
American English
- He is an internationally recognized expert in the field.
- There was a barely recognizable path through the woods.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I recognize that man. He is my neighbour.
- Do you recognize this song?
- The system can recognize your face to unlock the phone.
- They refused to recognize the test results.
- The law recognizes the right to privacy as fundamental.
- We must recognize that the situation has changed dramatically.
- The treaty recognizes the river as the official border between the two nations.
- Her groundbreaking work was belatedly recognized by the scientific community.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + COGNIZE (from Latin 'cognoscere', to know). To know again.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING (e.g., 'I see what you mean'). Recognition is the act of 'seeing' something known in a new context.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'realize' (осознавать). 'Recognize' is about identification (узнавать) or formal acceptance (признавать). 'I recognized the problem' ≠ 'I realized there was a problem'.
- Avoid using 'recognize' for simply 'noticing' something for the first time (заметить).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I am recognizing that face.' (Stative verb, usually not used in progressive forms) Correct: 'I recognize that face.'
- Incorrect: 'They recognized him the best employee.' Correct: 'They recognized him as the best employee.'
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'recognize' used to mean 'grant official status'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Recognise' is the standard British English spelling, while 'recognize' is standard in American English.
Generally, no. As a stative verb describing a mental state or perception, it is not typically used in the progressive form (e.g., 'I am recognizing'). Use simple tenses: 'I recognize'.
'Recognize' means to identify something previously known. 'Realize' means to become fully aware of or understand a fact or situation. E.g., 'I recognized my friend in the crowd' vs. 'I realized I was late'.
It depends on the meaning. Use 'as' to specify the capacity (recognize him as a leader). Use 'for' to specify the reason for appreciation (recognized for her bravery).