ENGLISH
REFERENCE

acknowledged

v. · adj.
US //ækˈnɑɫɪdʒd// UK //ɐknˈɒlɪdʒd// ac·knowl·edged
  1. 1 to admit truth (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to admit or accept that something is true or exists.

    to admit the existence or truth of something, often reluctantly. Transitive; frequently takes a 'that' clause or a direct object.

    Example

    The government finally acknowledged that the new law was a mistake.

    Example

    The CEO acknowledged the validity of the shareholders' concerns during the annual meeting, promising a full review of the company's environmental policies.
  2. 2 to confirm receipt (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

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

    to report or signal the receipt of a communication or item. Transitive; common in professional and administrative correspondence.

    Example

    Please acknowledge this email so I know you received the files.

    Example

    The department failed to acknowledge the receipt of my application, leaving me uncertain whether the documents had arrived before the deadline.
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  1. 3 to greet (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

    to show recognition of a person by a gesture or greeting.

    Example

    She acknowledged him with a quick nod as she walked past his desk.

    Example

    Although they were rivals, the two professors acknowledged each other with a polite, if frosty, greeting in the hallway.
  2. 4 widely recognised (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    known by most people as being good, important, or true.

    generally accepted or recognised as having a particular status or quality. Often used before a noun.

    Example

    He is the acknowledged expert on the history of this city.

    Example

    Despite the controversy surrounding his early work, he remains the acknowledged leader in the field of quantum linguistics.
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