Acknowledge
verb /əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/ — To admit or notice that something is real or true.
Definition
To accept or admit the existence, reality, or truth of something; to recognise.
Beyond the definition
Acknowledging something doesn't mean agreeing with it — it means not pretending it doesn't exist. Acknowledging a problem, an achievement, or another person's experience all carry different weight, but they all share the core act: I see it.
Origin & history
From Middle English aknowledgen — to show recognition, from ac- (variant of ad- 'to') + knowleche 'knowledge'.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
He acknowledged the mistake publicly rather than letting others find out.
Acknowledging someone's effort, even when the result falls short, matters.
She acknowledged the criticism in the meeting, promised to look into it, and moved on.
How to use it
This entry uses a verb. Follow the examples for tense and any objects or prepositions it needs.
Choose “Acknowledge” when the meaning fits your context: To accept or admit the existence, reality, or truth of something; to recognise.
Synonyms
admit, recognise, accept, concede, affirm
Antonyms
deny, ignore, overlook
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Pause During Heated Disagreement
Two adults having a heated argument; one uses angry gestures, while the other leans back and raises an open hand to pause.
The act of raising a hand to pause is a way to acknowledge the existence of the argument without continuing the hostility. It is a recognition of the tension, allowing the speaker to accept that there is a disagreement while seeking a moment of calm.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Acknowledge" mean?
Acknowledge is verb meaning: To admit or notice that something is real or true.. To accept or admit the existence, reality, or truth of something; to recognise.
Where does the word "Acknowledge" come from?
From Middle English aknowledgen — to show recognition, from ac- (variant of ad- 'to') + knowleche 'knowledge'.