English Reference
Adjective

recognizable

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌɹɛkəɡˈnaɪzəbəɫ/ rec·og·niz·able UK spelling recognisable

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'.


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 workHe is recognized for his work

Use 'recognizable' to mean 'easy to identify'; use 'recognized' to mean 'famous' or 'honored' for an achievement.

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).

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

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).

BreakingNews.ie· 15 Aug 2026

Common in culture writing


From recognize + -able.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated