acknowledge

[ ak-nol-ij ]

verb (used with object)

acknowledged, acknowledging.

1. to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of:

   to acknowledge one's mistakes.

   Synonyms: grant, confess, concede

   Antonyms: disavow, disclaim, deny

2. to show or express recognition or realization of:

   to acknowledge an acquaintance by nodding.

3. to recognize the authority, validity, or claims of:

   The students acknowledged the authority of the student council.

4. to show or express appreciation or gratitude for:

   to acknowledge a favor.

5. to indicate or make known the receipt of:

   to acknowledge a letter.

6. to take notice of or reply to:

   to acknowledge a greeting.

7. Law. to confirm as binding or of legal force:

   to acknowledge a deed.

acknowledge

/ əkˈnɒlɪdʒ /

verb

1. may take a clause as object to recognize or admit the existence, truth, or reality of
2. to indicate recognition or awareness of, as by a greeting, glance, etc
3. to express appreciation or thanks for

   to acknowledge a gift

4. to make the receipt of known to the sender

   to acknowledge a letter

5. to recognize, esp in legal form, the authority, rights, or claims of

Derived Forms

• acˈknowledger, noun
• acˈknowledgeable, adjective

Other Word Forms

• ac·knowl·edge·a·ble adjective
• ac·knowl·edg·er noun
• pre·ac·knowl·edge verb (used with object) preacknowledged preacknowledging
• re·ac·knowl·edge verb (used with object) reacknowledged reacknowledging
• un·ac·knowl·edg·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acknowledge¹

First recorded in 1475–85; late Middle English acknowleche, apparently either Middle English aknou(en) “to recognize” + -leche, noun suffix, variant of -lac; or a blend of aknouen and knouleche knowledge; then a- was mistaken for ac-

Word History and Origins

Origin of acknowledge¹

C15: probably from earlier knowledge, on the model of Old English oncnāwan, Middle English aknowen to confess, recognize

Synonym Study

Acknowledge, admit, confess agree in the idea of declaring something to be true. Acknowledge implies making a statement reluctantly, often about something previously denied: to acknowledge a fault. Admit especially implies acknowledging something under pressure: to admit a charge. Confess usually means stating somewhat formally an admission of wrongdoing, crime, or shortcoming: to confess guilt; to confess an inability to understand.

Example Sentences

But this week, Chinese officials have acknowledged the potential for economic pain as a result of the unfolding trade war with the US.

From BBC

The White House has dug in on its refusal to return a man who US officials have acknowledged was wrongly deported last month from Maryland to an El Salvador mega-prison.

From BBC

But while Levitsky acknowledges that he is a registered Democrat, he said his research is not partisan.

From Los Angeles Times

The school district had acknowledged negligently supervising Baldenebro, who taught at the district for more than two decades, but asserted it was Baldenebro who caused the harm to the students, not the district.

From Los Angeles Times

Hoyt acknowledged that the project had funding challenges, but said that those were resolved.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accept
• agree
• defend
• endorse
• recognize
• support