acknowledge

[ak-nol-ij]

verb (used with object)

acknowledged, acknowledging 

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

Other Word Forms

• acknowledger noun
• acknowledgeable adjective
• preacknowledge verb (used with object)
• reacknowledge verb (used with object)
• unacknowledging 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

In addition, the city will dedicate $250,000 toward the development of new affordable housing, formally acknowledge that the ban harmed fair housing efforts and accept increased state monitoring of its housing policies.

From Los Angeles Times

When asked about the “weakening job market” on Fox News, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer acknowledged the report findings, but said the data was still “positive.”

From Salon

They acknowledged it would be a terrible look but perhaps the least terrible option.

From BBC

He acknowledges, “It really did feel like the end, that time.”

From Los Angeles Times

Sherman acknowledged that any plans for the VA face a philosophical dilemma that goes beyond simply getting housing built.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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