Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense acknowledges, present participle acknowledging, past tense, past participle acknowledged
1. verb
If you acknowledge a fact or a situation, you accept or admit that it is true or that it exists.
[formal]
We have to acknowledge that something is wrong with the system. [VERB that]
Belatedly, the government has acknowledged the problem. [VERB noun]
There is an acknowledged risk of lung cancer from radon. [VERB-ed]
[Also V n to-inf, V n as n/adj]
2. verb
If someone's achievements, status, or qualities are acknowledged, they are known about and recognized by a lot of people, or by a particular group of people.
He is also acknowledged as an excellent goal-keeper. [beVERB-ed + as]
Some of the clergy refused to acknowledge the new king's legitimacy. [VERB noun]
[Also VERB noun to-infinitive]
Synonyms: recognize, know, see, accept More Synonyms of acknowledge
3. verb
If you acknowledge a message or letter, you write to the person who sent it in order to say that you have received it.
The army sent me a postcard acknowledging my request. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: reply to, answer, notice, recognize More Synonyms of acknowledge
4. verb
If you acknowledge someone, for example by moving your head or smiling, you show that you have seen and recognized them.
He saw her but refused to even acknowledge her. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: greet, address, notice, recognize More Synonyms of acknowledge
5. verb
If you acknowledge someone's applause, compliments, or kindness you make a gesture in order to thank them or show your appreciation.
Doran stuck his head out of the window to acknowledge the cheering. [VERB noun]
She never even acknowledged the man who opened the door for her. [VERB noun]
He acknowledged the applause with a small bow. [VERB noun with noun]
More Synonyms of acknowledge
acknowledge in British English
(əkˈnɒlɪdʒ)
verb(transitive)
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 an e-mail
5.
to recognize, esp in legal form, the authority, rights, or claims of
Derived forms
acknowledgeable (acˈknowledgeable)
adjective
acknowledger (acˈknowledger)
noun
Word origin
C15: probably from earlier knowledge, on the model of Old English oncnāwan, Middle English aknowen to confess, recognize
acknowledge in American English
(ækˈnɑlɪdʒ; əkˈnɑlɪdʒ)
verb transitiveWord forms: acˈknowledged or acˈknowledging
1.
to admit to be true or as stated; confess
2.
to recognize the authority or claims of
3.
to recognize and answer (a greeting or greeter, an introduction, etc.)
4.
to express thanks for
5.
to state that one has received (a letter, gift, favor, payment, etc.)
6. Law
to admit or affirm as genuine; certify in legal form
to acknowledge a deed
SYNONYMY NOTE: acknowledge implies the reluctant disclosure of something one might have kept secret [he acknowledged the child as his]; admit describes assent that has been elicited by persuasion and implies a conceding ofa fact, etc. [I'll admit you're right]; own denotes an informal acknowledgment of something in connection with oneself [to own to a liking for turnips]; avow implies an open, emphatic declaration, often as an act of affirmation; , confess is applied to a formal acknowledgment of a sin, crime, etc., but in a weakened senseis used interchangeably with , admit in making simple declarations [I'll confess I don't like him]
OPPOSITE: deny
Derived forms
acknowledgeable (acˈknowledgeable)
adjective
Word origin
earlier aknowledge < ME knowlechen < knowleche (see knowledge): infl. by ME aknowen < OE oncnawan, to understand, know, with Latinized prefix
Examples of 'acknowledge' in a sentence
acknowledge
Then make sure you acknowledge and address these.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
You also need to have acknowledged and accepted the part you played in the disagreement.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Regulation must acknowledge this and make sure that these people are not taken advantage of by big companies.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
By signing the application form you acknowledge that you accept all of the terms and conditions of this offer.
The Sun (2012)
Vulnerability is to be hidden, not acknowledged and accepted.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
By signing the application form, you acknowledge that you accept all the terms andconditions.
The Sun (2011)
The letter acknowledges the latitude he has been granted, but records his wish to return to writing.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Also, ask her to persuade her boyfriend to sign a letter acknowledging that the money is hers.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He acknowledged the letter swiftly.
Veronica Buckley CHRISTINA QUEEN OF SWEDEN: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric (2004)
I acknowledge that and accept it.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We often act out of fear until we accept and acknowledge our feelings and realise that love is unlimited and can not be taken away or divided.
Kretschmann, Gudrun Ten Keys to Loving Relationships (1994)
We have apologised to her if there is any way in which we have offended her but she won't acknowledge our letters either.
The Sun (2013)
I raised my arms in the bathroom mirror, as if to acknowledge the applause.
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
By signing the application form you acknowledge you accept all Terms & Conditionsof this offer.
The Sun (2011)
In his letter acknowledging my congratulations on his appointment he expressed the fear that I might think up some defence.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
His letter acknowledged that some schools had'substantial difficulties' in raising and maintaining attainment because students lacked confidence.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But I do accept... and acknowledge that perceptions can be different from reality.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
I hope he now he takes a bow, acknowledges his well-earned applause and strides proudly offstage.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In other languages
acknowledge
British English: acknowledge VERB
If you acknowledge a fact or a situation, you accept or admit that it is true or that it exists.