Recognize
/ˈrɛk.əɡ.naɪz/noun
To identify someone or something from prior encounters or knowledge.
Did you know?The root of 'recognize' is tied to the idea of 'knowing again,' hinting at ancient rituals of memory and vision that link the past to the present.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gno-
“to know, to recognize, to be aware of.”
Latin
Latin
recognoscere
“to know again, to acknowledge, to recall.”
Old French
Old French
reconnaistre
“to recognize, to acknowledge.”
Middle English
Middle English
reconisen
“to acknowledge or declare again.”
Modern English
English
recognize
“to identify or acknowledge someone or something previously known.”