Spanish word

reconocer

Pronunciation

IPA/rekonoˈθeɾ/

Meaning

  • verbrecognize

Example

Muchos no reconocen la importancia del descanso.

Many do not recognize the importance of rest.

Illustration for reconocer (recognize)

More examples

No pude reconocer a mi amigo después de tantos años.

I couldn't recognize my friend after so many years.

Core concept

Acknowledging and accepting a fact or responsibility after examination.

Common phrases

  • reconocer a alguien

    recognize someone

  • reconocer la voz

    recognize the voice

Similar words

admitir: Confess an error or truth about one's actions, acknowledging it honestly.
aceptar: Consent to an offer, idea, or situation and accept it as given.
asumir: Assume a responsibility or role, taking charge of the associated tasks.

Definition in Spanish

Aceptar o admitir que una situación, hecho o responsabilidad es real o verdadero; en otro uso, identificar a alguien o algo conocido.

Word origin

From Latin recognoscere (re- 'again' + cognoscere 'know'), originally 'know again', which developed into the sense of examining something and then acknowledging it.

Usage tips

  • Reconocer que followed by the indicative expresses acceptance of a fact, and when admitting responsibility reconocer commonly carries a formal sense that differs from admitir or aceptar.

Other meanings

  • acknowledgeverb
  • identifyverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word