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

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

But he also acknowledged the scale of the task he faces here after years of decline, and the need for his team to improve.

From BBC

The scholars acknowledge that more studies could further advance our knowledge about the issue.

From Science Daily

Jake, the 2-year-old dog that was slated for euthanasia after shelter staffers acknowledged they could not meet his needs, is no longer listed on the Animal Services website.

From Los Angeles Times

Canada has acknowledged its fraught history with its indigenous peoples in recent years.

From BBC

Related Words

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