Word
recognizable
Phoneticsrec·og·niz·able
/ˌɹɛkəɡˈnaɪzəbəɫ/
UK spelling · recognisable
Definition
adj. easy to identify because you have seen, heard, or experienced it before. It describes something that stands out or is familiar.
adj. capable of being identified from previous knowledge or through specific characteristics. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'become' or 'remain'.
Examples
“The actor's voice is easily recognizable even behind a mask.”
“After the rebranding, the logo remained recognizable to long-time customers while appearing more modern to new ones.”
“The artist's style is so distinct that her work is immediately recognizable, even when she experiments with entirely different mediums or color palettes.”
Examples
simple
“The actor's voice is easily recognizable even behind a mask.”
contextual
“After the rebranding, the logo remained recognizable to long-time customers while appearing more modern to new ones.”
complex
“The artist's style is so distinct that her work is immediately recognizable, even when she experiments with entirely different mediums or color palettes.”
Usage
Often modified by adverbs of degree such as 'easily', 'instantly', or 'immediately'.
Pitfall
He is recognizable for his work
He is recognized for his work
Use 'recognizable' to mean 'easy to identify'; use 'recognized' to mean 'famous' or 'honored' for an achievement.
Real-World Examples
“Recognisable for her husky voice, Tyler’s other hits include Holding Out for a Hero, It’s a Heartache and If You Were a Woman (and I Was a Man).” “Recognisable for her husky voice, Tyler released many other hits, including Holding Out For A Hero, It’s A Heartache and If You Were A Woman (And I Was A Man).” Etymology
From recognize + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/recognizable