# acknowledge

/ækˈnɑɫɪdʒ/ (US) · /ɐknˈɒlɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acknowledge
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to admit a fact

verb · CEFR B2

to accept or admit that something is true or exists.

For teachers: to recognize the existence, truth, or validity of something. Transitive; often followed by a 'that' clause or a noun phrase.

- The government finally acknowledged that the new law was not working.
- Historians now acknowledge the significant role that local communities played in the resistance movement during the occupation.

### 2. to confirm receipt

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to tell someone that you have received their letter, email, or package.

For teachers: to report the receipt of a communication or delivery to the sender.

- Please acknowledge this email so I know you got the files.
- The department will acknowledge your application within three working days of its arrival at the central office.

### 3. to give credit

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to publicly thank someone or show that you notice their hard work.

For teachers: to express gratitude or give formal recognition for a benefit, favour, or contribution.

- The author acknowledged her research assistant in the first chapter of the book.
- In the preface, the lead scientist acknowledged the generous funding provided by the national research council over the last decade.

### 4. to greet

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to show that you have seen someone, for example by smiling or waving.

For teachers: to show that one has noticed or recognized someone by making a gesture or greeting.

- He acknowledged me with a small nod as he walked past my desk.
- Despite their professional rivalry, the two CEOs acknowledged each other briefly before the conference began.

## Examples

- She refused to acknowledge her mistake.
- Please acknowledge this email so I know you received the updated schedule for the meeting.
- While the government was forced to acknowledge the rising inflation rates, officials maintained that the underlying economy remained robust enough to withstand the pressure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.