acknowledge

/əkˈnɑːlɪdʒ/ neutral to formal

Say it: ak-NOL-ij

1. verb To accept or admit the existence or truth of something.
He finally acknowledged that he had made a mistake.
2. verb To recognize the importance, quality, or validity of someone or something.
The award was created to acknowledge the efforts of local volunteers.
3. verb To confirm that you have received something, such as a message or letter.
Please acknowledge receipt of this email by the end of the day.
4. verb To show that you have noticed someone or something, typically with a gesture.
She acknowledged him with a quick nod as she walked past.

📖 Seen in the wild

She refused to acknowledge the possibility of her own error.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ acknowledge in a sentence

The government has yet to publicly acknowledge the scale of the problem.
In his retirement speech, the coach acknowledged the support of his family and fans.
I have to acknowledge, you were right about taking the back roads to avoid traffic.
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the terms of service.
The report is widely acknowledged as the most thorough study on the subject.
He passed his old rival in the hallway but refused to acknowledge his presence.
The foundation gratefully acknowledges all donations, large and small.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

admit recognize concede accept grant confirm allow own up to

admit · implies confessing something, often reluctantly or negatively.

recognize · emphasizes perception, awareness, or giving official validation.

concede · suggests yielding a point, typically in a debate or argument.

accept · focuses on agreeing to or coming to terms with a reality.

Opposites: deny, ignore, reject, disclaim, disavow

🌱 Where it comes from

The word traces back to an Old English phrase 'oncnawan on læcan', meaning 'to know or recognize'. It entered Middle English as 'aknowlechen', and the 'k' was added in the 15th century, likely influenced by the spelling of 'knowledge', cementing its connection to the idea of knowing.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

publicly acknowledgegrudgingly acknowledgewidely acknowledgedacknowledge receipt offail to acknowledgeacknowledge the fact that

'Acknowledge' is a versatile but somewhat formal word. In casual conversation, simpler words like 'admit', 'realize', or 'agree' are often more natural. In business and formal writing, its specific meaning is very useful, especially in the phrase 'acknowledge receipt'. Be careful not to confuse it with 'confess', which strongly implies guilt for a wrongdoing.

Word family: acknowledgment, acknowledgement, acknowledged

💬 Quick answers

What does 'acknowledge' mean?

It means to accept a fact, recognize someone's importance or contribution, or confirm that you have received something.

What is the difference between 'acknowledge' and 'admit'?

'Acknowledge' is a neutral term for accepting something as true, while 'admit' often implies reluctance or confessing to something negative or a mistake.

Is 'acknowledge' a formal word?

Yes, 'acknowledge' is generally considered neutral to formal. It is frequently used in professional, academic, and official writing and speech.

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