recognize
- v. 认出
- v. 承认
- v. 感谢, 感激
- Definition
- v. to identify someone or something known before
- v. to accept something as true
- v. to publicly thank someone for something they did
- Example
- I didn't recognize him after he grew a beard.
- 他留了胡子以后，我都认不出他了。
Synonyms & Differences 近义词辨析
Compared meaning: to admit or accept something is true (verb).
比较义项：承认（某事为真）（动词）。
- recognize 本词
Recognize is used for formally accepting something as valid, real or true, especially in official, legal or diplomatic contexts such as recognizing a government or a state; it sounds neutral rather than reluctant.
recognize 用于正式承认某事物为有效、真实，尤其用于官方、法律或外交语境，例如承认某个政府或国家；语气中性，不带勉强的意味。
The United Nations does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state.
联合国并不正式承认台湾是一个主权国家。
- acknowledge
Acknowledge means to admit that something is true, especially a fact, mistake or the receipt of something, often somewhat reluctantly; it appears in fixed phrases like 'acknowledge receipt' and when admitting fault.
acknowledge 表示承认某事属实，尤其是承认事实、过错，或确认收到某物，语气常带一点不情愿；常见于固定搭配，如 acknowledge receipt（确认收悉），也常用于承认过错。
Please acknowledge receipt of this email by replying today.
请在今天回复以确认收到这封邮件。
Recognize and acknowledge both mean to admit something is true. Recognize is used to formally accept something as valid or official, sounding neutral. Acknowledge means to admit a fact, mistake, or fault, sometimes reluctantly. Not compared: recognize's sense of knowing someone by sight.
recognize 和 acknowledge 在“承认某事为真”这一意义上很接近，但语气和使用场合不同：recognize 常用于正式承认某事物的合法性或客观事实，语气较中性；acknowledge 更强调承认（往往是不情愿地承认）某个事实、错误或过失，语气更个人化。这里不比较 recognize 表示“（凭外貌、声音等）认出”的意思，例如例句中“长胡子后没认出他”那种用法。