Meaning of the Word: Acknowledge
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Acknowledge (verb): To recognize or accept the existence, truth, or importance of something or someone. It can also mean to express gratitude or give thanks for something.
- Acknowledge (verb): To formally admit or confirm the receipt or understanding of something, such as a letter or a fact.
History and Origin
The word acknowledge originates from the Old French acnowler (meaning “to confess” or “to admit”), which itself comes from the Latin agnoscere (meaning “to recognize” or “to know again”). The word “acknowledge” has been used in English since the 14th century, originally with the sense of “to admit the truth of something” and later expanding to encompass recognizing or accepting the presence or validity of something.
Detailed Explanation
Acknowledge involves recognizing or expressing awareness of something, often in a formal or respectful way. The word is versatile and can be used in several contexts:
- Recognition or Admission: To accept or admit something is true, such as acknowledging someone’s achievements or admitting a mistake.
- Acknowledging Presence or Action: To give recognition or attention to someone’s presence or action, such as nodding to acknowledge someone’s greeting.
- Receipt or Confirmation: To confirm that something has been received or understood, such as acknowledging the receipt of an email or a payment.
- Gratitude or Thanks: To show appreciation or thanks for something, as in acknowledging help or support.
In all cases, the act of acknowledgment signifies a recognition or validation of something’s significance or truth.
Example Sentences
- She nodded to acknowledge his greeting.
- I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the team in completing the project.
- The company sent a letter to acknowledge the receipt of your application.
- He did not acknowledge his mistake during the meeting.
- She acknowledged the support of her family during the difficult time.
- I must acknowledge that I was wrong in my previous statement.
- The teacher acknowledged the students’ contributions to the discussion.
- The letter did not acknowledge any of the concerns raised by the committee.
- He finally acknowledged the fact that he had misunderstood the instructions.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Recognize: To identify or acknowledge the existence or validity of something, similar to acknowledge.
- Admit: To accept or confess something, often related to acknowledging the truth or reality of a situation.
- Appreciate: To express gratitude for something, akin to acknowledging help or support.
- Confirm: To establish the truth or correctness of something, similar to acknowledging receipt or understanding.
- Accept: To willingly agree to or acknowledge something as valid, such as acknowledging an opinion or reality.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Acceptance: The act of agreeing to or acknowledging something as valid, similar to acknowledging a fact or a gift.
- Recognition: The process of identifying something or someone and acknowledging their importance, akin to the act of acknowledging.
- Gratitude: A feeling of thankfulness, often linked with the act of acknowledging someone’s assistance or support.
- Adoration: A deep respect or love for someone, which can involve acknowledging their value or worth.
- Response: A reply or reaction, especially when acknowledging a statement or inquiry.
Antonyms
- Ignore: To fail to recognize or give attention to something, the opposite of acknowledging.
- Reject: To refuse or dismiss something, the opposite of acknowledging or accepting.
- Deny: To refuse to admit the truth or existence of something, contrary to acknowledging a fact or reality.
- Disregard: To ignore or fail to give proper attention to something, opposite of acknowledging.
- Neglect: To fail to acknowledge or give attention to something, especially something important.