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.
verbAcknowledge
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.
verbImagine 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.
Sounds Like
uhk-NOL-ij
Looks Like
a kno[w] ledge (the word visually hints at knowledge): a-know-ledge
Remember This
Acknowledge is commonly used with receipts, recognitions, or admissions. It implies recognition or acceptance, not necessarily agreement.
Other Forms
Connect With
recognize, admit, concede, confirm, validate
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.'
Study Deeper
- The author finally acknowledged the error in the bibliography.
- She acknowledged the crowd with a nod as she stepped onto the stage.
From Old English oncnawan (to know) with the prefix a-; influenced by the noun 'knowledge' and the sense of making knowledge known.
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.