Definition

To identify someone or something from previous encounters or knowledge; to acknowledge the existence or validity of something.

Example

I can easily recognise my old friends from school when I see them.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you recognise that song playing in the café earlier?

Yeah, it’s one of my favorites! I always love it when it comes on.

I thought I had heard it before, but I couldn't place it.

It's so catchy that it's easy to recognise once you've heard it a few times.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Recognise → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "cognoscere" (meaning to know). The word means to know again or to identify something that has been previously encountered.

Memory Tip

Think of knowing something 'again' ('re-') — that's why recognise means to identify something you already know.

Visually Confused Words