To know (the object) again; recall or recover the knowledge of; perceive the identity of with something formerly known or in the mind.To avow or admit a knowledge of, with approval or sanction; acknowledge or accept formally: as, to recognize one as ambassador; to recognize a government as an independent sovereignty or as a belligerent.To indicate one's acquaintance with (a person) by a salute: as, to pass one without recognizing him.To indicate appreciation of: as, to recognize merit.To review; reëxamine; take cognizance of anew.To acknowledge; admit or confess as an obligation or duty.=Syn. 2–4. Recognize, Acknowledge. The essential difference between these words lies in the difference between letting in to one's own knowledge (recognize) and letting out to other people's knowledge (acknowledge). Hence the opposite of recognize is disown or some kindred word; that of acknowledge is conceal or deny. To recognize an obligation and to acknowledge an obligation differ precisely in this way. The preacher may be able to make a man recognize, even if he cannot make him acknowledge his need of moral improvement. See acknowledge.In law, to enter an obligation of record before a proper tribunal: as, A. B. recognized in the sum of twenty dollars. Also spelled recognise.To cognize again.