acknowledge

[ ak-nol-ij ]

verb (used with object)

, ac·knowl·edged, ac·knowl·edg·ing.

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 Words From

• 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

For now, that might mean changing your budget and acknowledging that you might be spending more on creature comforts.

From Salon

But a source acknowledges that in government there's an awareness that "every negotiation has to involve trade offs."

From BBC

In her own remarks, McBride has acknowledged what many view as the bigotry at the root of the Republican measures, but also tried to refocus the conversation on getting things done for her constituents.

From Los Angeles Times

They acknowledge and make efforts to localize experiences for American fans.

From Los Angeles Times

Calling for a commission on palliative care, Brown acknowledged that both sides in the assisted dying debate share a common concern and "genuine compassion felt for all those suffering painful deaths".

From BBC

Related Words

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