recognition

Universal Words noun 1 [U] the act of remembering who sb is when you see them, or of identifying what sth is: He glanced briefly towards her but there was no sign of recognition. * the automatic recognition of handwriting and printed text by computer 2 [sing.,U] ~ (that...) the act of accepting that sth exists, is true or is official: a growing recognition that older people have potential too * There is a general recognition of the urgent need for reform. * to seek international / official / formal recognition as a sovereign state * The government granted full diplomatic recognition to the republics. 3 [U] ~ (for sth) public praise and reward for sb's work or actions: She gained only minimal recognition for her work. * He received the award in recognition of his success over the past year. IDIOMS to change, alter, etc. beyond / out of (all) recognition to change so much that you can hardly recognize it: The town has changed beyond recognition since I was last here. * Capitalism has been reformed almost out of all recognition.