acknowledge

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To admit or accept that something is true or real.

   She refused to acknowledge that she had made a mistake.

2. 2
   verb

   To show that you have noticed or recognized someone or something.

   He walked past without even acknowledging me.

3. 3
   verb

   To express thanks for something.

   We must acknowledge the kindness they showed us.

4. 4
   verb

   To confirm that you have received something.

   Please acknowledge receipt of this email.

Recorded since 1553, a blend of Middle English aknowen (“to recognize, acknowledge”) and knowlechen (“to discover, reveal, acknowledge”). The former verb is from Old English oncnāwan, ācnāwan (“to know, recognize, acknowledge”), from on + cnāwan (“to know”). The latter is derived from the noun at hand in knowledge. For the formation compare Latin agnōscō and Russian призна́ть (priznátʹ), with cognate roots. The /k/-sound was preserved by being redistributed to the preceding syllable: /əˈkn-/ > /əkˈn-/. The -c- was inserted accordingly to reflect this pronunciation more clearly.

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