acknowledge

/əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/ (bre, ipa) · /əkˈnɑːlɪdʒ/ (ame, ipa) · /ik-ˈnä-lij ak-/ (ame, mw)

acknowledge — verb

1. to admit, often unwillingly, that a fact or situation is real, or that a person

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to admit, often unwillingly, that a fact or situation is real, or that a person or thing genuinely holds a certain quality or position.

例句

Dr. Patel acknowledged that her first study had several weak points.

acknowledge + that-clause for admitting a fact

The minister finally acknowledged making mistakes during the budget talks.

acknowledge + -ing form

同義詞
  • admit

    more everyday; usually about something you did wrong

  • concede

    formal; suggests giving in after argument

  • recognize

    neutral; often about status or quality rather than guilt

反義詞
  • deny

    say something is not true

  • dispute

    argue against; reject the claim

文法句型

acknowledge + that-clause

acknowledge + -ing

acknowledge + obj + to be

用法筆記

Subject is often a person, group, or report giving a reluctant or formal admission. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is about agreeing with a fact or status, not confirming arrival of a letter or parcel.

常見錯誤

❌He acknowledged about his mistake.
✅He acknowledged his mistake.
💡no preposition before the direct object.
❌She acknowledged to make a mistake.
✅She acknowledged making a mistake.
💡use the -ing form, not a bare to-infinitive.

2. to write back or otherwise reply, usually in business, to confirm that a letter,

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to write back or otherwise reply, usually in business, to confirm that a letter, email, payment, or item has reached you.

例句

Please acknowledge this email so I know my application arrived safely.

acknowledge + email for confirming arrival

The bank acknowledged receipt of the wire transfer within an hour.

fixed phrase: acknowledge receipt of

同義詞
  • confirm

    general word for saying something is true or has arrived

  • answer

    everyday; reply in any form, not always formal

反義詞

文法句型

acknowledge + noun (letter/email/payment)

acknowledge receipt of

用法筆記

Frequently used in business letters and emails; often paired with the noun 'receipt' or with documents (letter, email, invoice). Subject is usually the receiver, not the sender.

常見錯誤

❌I acknowledged for your letter.
✅I acknowledged your letter.
💡no preposition; the letter is the direct object.
❌They acknowledged the receipt the parcel.
✅They acknowledged receipt of the parcel.
💡use 'receipt of' before the item.

3. to use a quick silent gesture, such as a nod, smile, or wave, to let a person kn

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to use a quick silent gesture, such as a nod, smile, or wave, to let a person know you can see them.

例句

Una walked past me without even acknowledging me.

acknowledge + person, basic pattern

The professor acknowledged the late students with a small nod.

acknowledge + person + with a nod

同義詞
  • greet

    broader; can include words, not only gestures

  • notice

    weaker; just to see, without showing a reaction

反義詞
  • ignore

    deliberately not show that you have seen the person

  • snub

    rude refusal to greet someone you know

文法句型

acknowledge + person

acknowledge + person + with a nod/smile/wave

用法筆記

Object must be a person or group of people. The gesture itself is small and silent; if you say something, use 'greet' or 'say hello to' instead.

常見錯誤

❌He acknowledged at his teacher.
✅He acknowledged his teacher.
💡no preposition before the person.
❌She acknowledged him by saying loud hello.
✅She greeted him with a loud hello.
💡use 'greet' for a spoken hello, not 'acknowledge'.

4. to say in public, often in a speech or book, that you are grateful to someone fo

4.動詞及物C1
釋義

to say in public, often in a speech or book, that you are grateful to someone for help, support, or a useful contribution.

例句

The author acknowledged her editor in the first pages of the novel.

acknowledge + person in formal writing

In her speech, the mayor acknowledged the firefighters for saving several homes.

acknowledge + person + for + noun

同義詞
  • thank

    more direct and personal; everyday register

  • credit

    give recognition, often for an idea or work

反義詞
  • overlook

    fail to mention someone's contribution

文法句型

acknowledge + help/support/contribution

acknowledge + person + for + noun

用法筆記

Object is normally help, support, contribution, or the person who provided them. Common in academic prefaces, awards speeches, and formal reports; rare in casual conversation.

常見錯誤

❌I want to acknowledge to my parents in this speech.
✅I want to acknowledge my parents in this speech.
💡the person is a direct object, no 'to'.
❌She acknowledged thanks for his help.
✅She thanked him for his help.' or 'She acknowledged his help.
💡don't combine 'acknowledge' with 'thanks'.