recognise

To know someone or something because you have seen, heard, or learned about them before.

• I recognise that song.
• She recognised him from an old photograph.
• Would you recognise me without my glasses?

How to use it: recognise someone/something as someone/something (I recognised her as my former neighbour.); recognise someone by something (He recognised his brother by his voice.)

Similar words: identify, know

Common phrases: recognise someone’s voice, recognise a face, recognise someone as something

To accept that something is true, important, or officially valid.

• We recognise that mistakes were made.
• The law recognises your right to complain.
• Is this qualification recognised in other countries?

How to use it: recognise that… (They recognise that the system needs to change.); recognise someone/something as something (The court recognised her as the legal owner.)

Similar words: accept, acknowledge

Opposites: deny, reject

Common phrases: recognise the need, recognise someone’s rights, recognise something as something

To give someone an award for something they have done well.

• The school recognised its best teachers.
• He was recognised for saving a child.
• Will the organisation recognise her years of service?

How to use it: recognise someone for something (The city recognised her for her work with children.)

Similar words: honour, reward

Common phrases: recognise someone, recognise an achievement