Definition of Recognize
Quick Meaning of Recognize
To see someone or something and know who or what they are because you have seen them before.
Detailed Definition of Recognize
To know or identify someone or something that you have seen before.
How to Pronounce Recognize
Stress pattern: Ooo (3-syllable word).
Tip: Four syllables: REC-ug-NIZE. Stress on first syllable REC and third syllable NIZE.
Watch out: Sometimes /rɪˈkɑɡnaɪz/ with stress on second syllable; correct is REC-ug-NIZE.
Origin and Etymology of Recognize
From Latin 're-' (again) + 'cognoscere' (to know). Means to know again.
How to Use Recognize in a Sentence
Each example shows “recognize” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“I recognized my friend at the airport from a distance.”
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“She did not recognize him because he had changed a lot.”
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“Experts can recognize ancient coins by their markings and composition.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Recognize
Common Synonyms for Recognize
Smart Synonyms for Recognize — When to Use Each
- identify
- for naming or determining exactly what something is
- remember
- for recalling from memory someone seen before
- spot
- for noticing or seeing someone in a crowd
Antonyms of Recognize
Common Collocations with Recognize
These phrases pair with “recognize” in everyday English:
- recognize a face
- easily recognize
- recognize a voice
Common Mistakes When Using Recognize
Even fluent speakers slip up with “recognize”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I recognize him yesterday in the street.
- ✓ Correct: I recognized him yesterday in the street.
- Why: Past time marker 'yesterday' requires past simple 'recognized', not present 'recognize'.
- ✗ Wrong: She is recognizing me when I came into the room.
- ✓ Correct: She recognized me when I came into the room.
- Why: Use past simple 'recognized' for completed action, not present continuous.
Words Confused With Recognize
- Recognize vs Remember: Remember means to recall from memory; recognize means to identify someone seen before. Compare →
Other Forms of Recognize
- Verb: recognize
- Noun: recognition
Frequently Asked Questions About Recognize
What is the meaning of "Recognize"?
To see someone or something and know who or what they are because you have seen them before.
How do you pronounce "Recognize"?
The IPA is /ˈrɛkəɡnaɪz/. Four syllables: REC-ug-NIZE. Stress on first syllable REC and third syllable NIZE.
What part of speech is "Recognize"?
"Recognize" is a verb at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Recognize"?
Common synonyms include identify, know, remember.
How do you use "Recognize" in a sentence?
For example: "I recognized my friend at the airport from a distance."