acknowledge — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To admit the knowledge of; to recognize as a fact or truth; to declare one's belief in.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   to acknowledge the being of a god

   I acknowledge my transgressions.

   More examples (4)

   [T]he charge of my moſt curious, and coſtly ingredients fraide, amounting to ſome ſeaventeene thouſand crovvnes, a trifle in reſpect of health, vvriting your noble name in my Catalogue, I ſhall acknovvledge my ſelfe amply ſatisfi'd.

   For ends generally acknowledged to be good.

   [N]ow ſuch a liue vngodly, vvithout a care of doing the wil of the Lord (though they profeſſe him in their mouths, yea though they beleeue and acknowledge all the Articles of the Creed, yea haue knowledge of the Scripturs) yet if they liue vngodly, they deny God, and therefore ſhal be denied, […]

   Addison: Pathfinder, you're making a mistake. Ryder: Maybe. But at least I'm willing to acknowledge it.

2. To own or recognize in a particular quality, character or relationship; to admit the claims or authority of; to give recognition to.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   By my soul, I'll ne'er acknowledge thee.

   In all thy ways acknowledge Him.

   More examples (2)

   Such an episode in the Island's grand naval story her naval historians naturally abridge; one of them (G.P.R. James) candidly acknowledging that fain would he pass it over did not "impartiality forbid fastidiousness."

   He is calmed down only when the bearer of the beard “unbeards,” and acknowledges himself as Asher's old pal: […]

3. To be grateful of (e.g. a benefit or a favour)

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   to acknowledge a favor

   They his gifts acknowledged none.

4. To report (the receipt of a message to its sender).

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   This is to acknowledge your kind invitation to participate in the upcoming debate.

5. To own as genuine or valid; to assent to (a legal instrument) to give it validity; to avow or admit in legal form.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   One who has been sheriff may acknowledge a deed executed by him while in office.

Verb

1. declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

   Synonyms

   admit

   Broader terms

   declareadjudgehold

   Examples

   He admitted his errors

   She acknowledged that she might have forgotten

2. report the receipt of

   Synonyms

   receipt

   Broader terms

   communicatepass onpasspass alongput across

   Examples

   The program committee acknowledged the submission of the authors of the paper

3. express recognition of the presence or existence of, or acquaintance with

   Synonyms

   notice

   Broader terms

   reactrespond

   Examples

   He never acknowledges his colleagues when they run into him in the hallway

   She acknowledged his compliment with a smile

   More examples (1)

   it is important to acknowledge the work of others in one's own writing

4. express obligation, thanks, or gratitude for

   Synonyms

   recognizerecognise

   Broader terms

   thankgive thanks

   Examples

   We must acknowledge the kindness she showed towards us

5. accept as legally binding and valid

   Broader terms

   accept

   Examples

   acknowledge the deed

6. accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept their power and authority

   Synonyms

   recognizerecogniseknow

   Broader terms

   accept

   Examples

   The Crown Prince was acknowledged as the true heir to the throne

   We do not recognize your gods