English Reference
verb · adjective

recognized

v. · adj.
US /ˈɹɛkəɡˌnaɪzd/ rec·og·nized UK spelling recognised

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.to know who someone is or what something is because you have seen or heard them before.

    v.to identify a person or thing from previous encounter or knowledge.

    Simple

    I recognized my old school friend immediately, even though we hadn't met in years.

    In context

    The witness recognized the suspect from a photograph shown during the initial police investigation, despite the passage of several months since the incident.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    v.to officially accept that something is real, true, or legal.

    v.to acknowledge the existence, validity, or legality of something in an official capacity.

    Simple

    The government finally recognized the small island as an independent country.

    In context

    The university recognized the professional qualifications obtained abroad, allowing the candidate to bypass several introductory modules in the master's programme.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to give someone praise or an award for the good work they have done.

    v.to show official appreciation or reward for a person's contribution or achievement.

    Simple

    She was recognized for her thirty years of service to the local hospital.

    In context

    The committee recognized his groundbreaking research in molecular biology by awarding him the prestigious annual science prize.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.known by many people or officially respected as being good or important.

    adj.widely known, acknowledged, or respected for a particular quality or achievement.

    Simple

    He is a recognized expert in the field of ancient history.

    In context

    As a recognized authority on international maritime law, her testimony was considered pivotal to the outcome of the tribunal.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated