recognize

Universal Words (BrE also recognise) verb (not used in the progressive tenses) 1 [VN] ~ sb/sth (by / from sth) to know who sb is or what sth is when you see or hear them, because you have seen or heard them or it before: I recognized him as soon as he came in the room. * Do you recognize this tune? * I recognized her by her red hair. 2 ~ sth (as sth) to admit or to be aware that sth exists or is true: [VN] They recognized the need to take the problem seriously. * Drugs were not recognized as a problem then. * [Vwh-] Nobody recognized how urgent the situation was. * [Vthat] We recognized that the task was not straightforward. * [VNthat] It was recognized that this solution could only be temporary. [also VNtoinf] 3 ~ sb/sth (as sth) to accept and approve of sb/sth officially: [VN] recognized schools / qualifications * The UK has refused to recognize the new regime. * [VNtoinf] He is recognized to be their natural leader. HELPNOTE This pattern is usually used in the passive. 4 [VN] (be recognized )as sth() to be thought of as very good or important by people in general: The book is now recognized as a classic. * She's a recognized authority on the subject. 5 [VN] to give sb official thanks for sth that they have done or achieved: His services to the state were recognized with the award of a knighthood.