Acknowledge x Recognize: What's the difference?

Hello everybody!

Well, I need to know when I use Acknowledge and when I need to use Recognize.

AMPLIANDO O VOCABULÁRIO
Isa Mara Lando é uma referência entre os profissionais de tradução. Ela já traduziu mais de 100 livros, entre eles estão obras de autores aclamados, como: George Orwell, Salman Rushdie e Walter Isaacson (a biografia de Einstein). Nesta aula gratuita, Isa dá várias dicas de vocabulário. ACESSAR AULA
3 respostas
Ordenar por: Data
  Resposta mais votada
Hi Nicole,

I will try to answer your question (I'm a humble student rs). I research on Internet about your question and I find some information about this.

First, these words are etymologically identical, only one of Germanic root and the other of Latin root.

About the word recognize, It can have two different meanings:

The first is when you recognize something because you have seen it before, as in "I recognized the house as soon as I saw it again." In this case, only "recognize" can be used.

The second is in the sense of giving recognition, and in some way accepting its value. For example, one university may recognize that the qualifications of another university are equivalent to their own; employers recognize certain trades unions but not others; or I may recognize certain suppliers of a service but not others.

If this second meaning of recognize applies to a person, such as recognizing their skill, knowledge or eminence, then the word acknowledge can also be used.

I hope that this can help you.
TESTE DE VOCABULÁRIO
Faça um teste e descubra como está seus conhecimentos de vocabulário de inglês em 5 minutos! Este teste foi desenvolvido por professores experientes. O resultado sai na hora e com gabarito. INICIAR TESTE
Thank you for your help!
Cintia, exactly! It applies to what you've said.

> Recognize means to something you saw before. Like:
# Hey, I recognize this house! I've been here some weeks ago.

> Acknowledge means to recognize its value or admit its existence. Like:
# Messi is a huge soccer player! I acknowldege his incredible skills!

Regards!