recognize

recognize — verb

1. to be able to tell that someone or something is the same person or thing you cam

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to be able to tell that someone or something is the same person or thing you came across before, because your memory connects what you are now seeing or hearing with an earlier meeting

例句

Zayd recognized his old classmate from the photo on her desk.

recognize + person from + visual clue

The librarian did not recognize Shanti without her glasses.

同義詞
  • identify

    more deliberate or analytical; you identify by examining details

  • place

    informal; to remember where or when you last saw someone

反義詞
  • overlook

    to fail to notice or recognize someone or something

文法句型

recognize + noun phrase

recognize + noun phrase from + noun phrase

常見錯誤

❌I didn't know her at the party.
✅I didn't recognize her at the party.
💡'know' means to be generally familiar with someone; 'recognize' means to identify them when you see them again.
❌I recognized to meet him before.
✅I recognized him from meeting him before.
💡'recognize' takes a direct object, not a to-infinitive.

2. to understand or realize that a particular fact, situation, or quality exists or

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to understand or realize that a particular fact, situation, or quality exists or is true, using your knowledge, experience, or careful thought

例句

Caio recognized that the business needed to hire more staff.

recognize + that-clause for realizing a fact

Dr. Okafor recognized the symptoms as a rare tropical illness.

recognize + noun phrase as + noun phrase

同義詞
  • realize

    more sudden or emotional awareness; less formal

  • acknowledge

    more formal; implies willingness to accept an unpleasant fact

  • perceive

    formal; suggests seeing through careful observation

反義詞
  • overlook

    to fail to notice or consider something important

  • deny

    to refuse to accept that something is true

文法句型

recognize + that-clause

recognize + wh-clause

recognize + noun phrase as + noun phrase

用法筆記

Common with a that-clause to express realization of a fact. The pattern 'recognize + noun phrase + as + noun phrase' is used for classifying or identifying the nature of something.

常見錯誤

❌I recognized him as a liar.
✅I recognized that he was not telling the truth.
💡for expressing judgment about someone's character, a that-clause sounds more natural in most contexts.
❌She recognized the importance of the issue finally.
✅She finally recognized the importance of the issue.
💡intensifiers like 'finally' usually go before the verb.

3. to formally or officially accept that something has legal authority, is true, or

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to formally or officially accept that something has legal authority, is true, or deserves to be treated as important

例句

The immigration office recognized Tuan's qualifications from abroad.

The Watanabe family's marriage certificate was recognized as valid in both countries.

passive: be recognized as + [adjective]

同義詞
  • accept

    more general; can be informal or formal

  • acknowledge

    implies admitting the truth or existence of something

  • validate

    to prove or confirm that something has legal or official status

反義詞
  • reject

    to refuse to accept something as valid or true

  • deny

    to state that something is not true or does not exist

文法句型

recognize + noun phrase as + noun phrase

be recognized as + noun phrase

recognize + that-clause

用法筆記

Frequently used in legal, political, and formal contexts. Often in passive voice when the focus is on the status of the thing being accepted rather than who accepts it.

常見錯誤

❌The government refused to recognize to the new country.
✅The government refused to recognize the new country.
💡'recognize' meaning 'accept as valid' takes a direct object, not a preposition.
❌His diploma is recognized like a university degree.
✅His diploma is recognized as a university degree.
💡use 'as', not 'like', for official status.

4. to publicly show praise or appreciation for what someone has achieved, especiall

4.動詞及物B2
釋義

to publicly show praise or appreciation for what someone has achieved, especially by giving them an award, a prize, or a formal statement of thanks

例句

The government recognized Adisa's rescue work with a bravery award.

be recognized with + [award/token]

Kemi's years of community service were recognized at the ceremony.

同義詞
  • honor

    more ceremonial; often involves a public event or title

  • commend

    to formally praise someone, often in an official statement

  • acclaim

    strong public praise or approval

反義詞
  • ignore

    to take no notice of someone's achievements or efforts

  • overlook

    to fail to give deserved attention or recognition

文法句型

be recognized for + noun phrase

be recognized with + noun phrase

recognize + noun phrase + for + noun phrase

用法筆記

Almost always used in passive voice or with an official body as the subject. Use 'recognize someone for + achievement/reason' and 'recognize someone with + award/token of appreciation'.

常見錯誤

❌The company recognized him with a promotion.
✅The company recognized his hard work with a bonus.
💡'recognize' in this sense refers to acknowledgment of effort, not the act of promoting someone.