Recognize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Recognized; p. pr. & vb. n. Recognizing.]
Etymology: [From Recognizance; see Cognition, and cf. Reconnoiter.]
[Written also recognise.]
1. To know again; to perceive the identity of, with a person or thing previously known; to recover or recall knowledge of. Speak, vassal; recognize thy sovereign queen. Harte.
2. To avow knowledge of; to allow that one knows; to consent to admit, hold, or the like; to admit with a formal acknowledgment; as, to recognize an obligation; to recognize a consul.
3. To acknowledge acquaintance with, as by salutation, bowing, or the like.
4 more senses
4. To show appreciation of; as, to recognize services by a testimonial.
5. To review; to reëxamine. [Obs.] South.
6. To reconnoiter. [Obs.] R. Monro.
Syn. -- To acknowledge; avow; confess; own; allow; concede. See Acknowledge.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Recognize, v. i. (Law)
To enter an obligation of record before a proper tribunal; as, A, B recognized in the sum of twenty dollars. [Written also recognise.]
Note: In legal usage in the United States the second syllable is often accented.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for recognize; he lists it under confess, discern.
Where he writes about it:
We accept another's statement; admit any point made against us; acknowledge what we have said or done, good or bad; avow our individual beliefs or feelings; certify to facts within our knowledge; confess our own faults; endorse a friend's note or statement; grant a request; own our faults or obligations; recognize lawful authority; concede a claim. — from confess