ENGLISH
REFERENCE

recognized

v. · adj.
US //ˈɹɛkəɡˌnaɪzd// rec·og·nized
  1. 1 to identify from memory (v.)
    A2 Elementary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The witness recognized the suspect from a photograph shown during the initial police investigation, despite the passage of several months since the incident.
  2. 2 to officially accept (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The university recognized the professional qualifications obtained abroad, allowing the candidate to bypass several introductory modules in the master's programme.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 to show appreciation (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The committee recognized his groundbreaking research in molecular biology by awarding him the prestigious annual science prize.
  2. 4 widely known or respected (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

© 2026 English Reference