French word

reconnaissance

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁəkonɛsɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine noungratitude

Example

Je lui dois une grande reconnaissance.

I owe him a great deal of gratitude.

Illustration for reconnaissance (gratitude)

More examples

Il a exprimé sa reconnaissance envers elle pour son aide.

He expressed his gratitude to her for her help.

Core concept

A return of attention to a person, fact, or place so its value, status, or features can be acknowledged.

Common phrases

  • exprimer sa reconnaissance envers quelqu'un

    express one's gratitude to ___

  • témoigner sa reconnaissance à quelqu'un

    show one's gratitude to ___

Similar words

merci: A brief everyday expression of thanks.

Definition in French

Sentiment de gratitude envers quelqu'un pour une aide, un service ou une faveur ; peut aussi désigner l'action d'accorder une reconnaissance officielle ou une opération de repérage.

Word origin

The noun was formed from reconnaître with the suffix -ance, naming an act or result of recognition; the same base underlies gratitude, official acknowledgment, and scouting.

Usage tips

  • For everyday thanks, merci or remerciements is more usual, while reconnaissance often sounds formal or expresses lasting gratitude.

Other meanings

  • reconnaissancenoun
  • recognitionnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word