Vocabulary in context
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Acknowledge
To admit that something is true or real; to recognize the existence, validity, or status of something or someone; and to confirm receipt or awareness of something.
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Imagine This
Picture a student receiving a graded essay. The student smiles, signs a quick note, and says, 'I acknowledge your feedback'—recognizing the critique and accepting it as guidance for revision.
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Sounds Like
uhk-NOL-ij
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Looks Like
a kno[w] ledge (the word visually hints at knowledge): a-know-ledge
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Remember This
Acknowledge is commonly used with receipts, recognitions, or admissions. It implies recognition or acceptance, not necessarily agreement.
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Other Forms
acknowledgmentnoun
acknowledgementnoun
acknowledgedverb
acknowledgingverb
acknowledgesverb
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Connect With
recognize, admit, concede, confirm, validate
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Note
Don’t confuse acknowledge with deny or ignore. Acknowledge is about recognizing or admitting something or confirming receipt. Common collocations include 'acknowledge receipt of' and 'acknowledge someone's contribution.'
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The author finally acknowledged the error in the bibliography.
- She acknowledged the crowd with a nod as she stepped onto the stage.
Synonyms
recognizeadmitconcedeconfirmavow
Antonyms
denyignoredisregard
Etymology
From Old English oncnawan (to know) with the prefix a-; influenced by the noun 'knowledge' and the sense of making knowledge known.
Mnemonic
A KNOW ledge: Acknowledge = to make knowledge known. Picture the word as 'a know ledge' to remember that to acknowledge is to bring knowledge to light.
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Diffuse
verb (also adjective)To spread out or distribute over a wide area; to disperse or disseminate. As an adjective, describing something that is not concentrated or is unfocused/rambling.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Coalesce
verbTo grow together; unite into one body
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Concede
verbTo admit that something is true or valid; to yield or grant, especially after negotiation.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
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