acknowledge

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/əkˈnɑlɪdʒ/
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To show openly that a fact, person, message or contribution has been noticed and accepted.
Practice using acknowledge in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Please acknowledge receipt of this email.
  • Did the publisher acknowledge receiving the manuscript?
  • Will he ever acknowledge his part in the mistake?
  • Will the school acknowledge this qualification?
  • The two states have not acknowledged the new border.

Similar words

recognize
validate
accept
confirm
credit
recognize
recognize
own up to
confirm receipt of
greet

Meanings

Admit a fact

verb
reasoning
neutral
To accept or say that something is true, especially a fact that may be uncomfortable.

Examples

  • She acknowledged that the figures were wrong.
  • The report acknowledges several limits in the study.
  • Will he ever acknowledge his part in the mistake?
  • They refused to acknowledge the problem until customers complained.
  • I must acknowledge that your plan is simpler.

Similar words

admit
recognize
concede
accept
own up to

Recognize status or value

verb
social
formal
To accept that someone or something has a particular status, right or value.

Examples

  • The council acknowledged her right to speak for the village.
  • He is widely acknowledged as a leading scientist.
  • The two states have not acknowledged the new border.
  • The award acknowledges years of work in the community.
  • Will the school acknowledge this qualification?

Similar words

recognize
accept
affirm
validate

Confirm receipt

verb
correspondence
formal
To tell someone that a message, document or payment has been received.

Examples

  • Please acknowledge receipt of this email.
  • The office acknowledged my application the next day.
  • We have not yet acknowledged your payment.
  • Did the publisher acknowledge receiving the manuscript?
  • An automatic reply acknowledged that the form had arrived.

Similar words

confirm receipt of
confirm
reply to

Show someone was noticed

verb
social
neutral
To show that you have noticed someone or something, often with a word or gesture.

Examples

  • She waved, but he did not acknowledge her.
  • The chair acknowledged the question with a nod.
  • He walked past without acknowledging the crowd.
  • Did the driver acknowledge your signal?
  • The speaker paused to acknowledge the applause.

Similar words

notice
greet
respond to
recognize

Give public thanks

verb
gratitude
formal
To express thanks or give credit for help or a contribution.

Examples

  • The book acknowledges the help of many volunteers.
  • She acknowledged her teachers in the acceptance speech.
  • We wish to acknowledge the support of local donors.
  • The team publicly acknowledged his contribution.
  • Did the article acknowledge the researchers who supplied the data?

Similar words

thank
credit
recognize
give credit to

Etymology

A late Middle English blend of words meaning “admit” and “show knowledge.” It is related to know and knowledge.

FAQ

What does acknowledge mean?

It means to show that a fact, person, message or contribution has been noticed and accepted.

How is acknowledge different from admit?

Admit mainly concerns accepting a fact, while acknowledge also covers recognition, receipt, notice and thanks.

What does acknowledge receipt mean?

It means to confirm that a message or item has arrived.

Can a nod acknowledge someone?

Yes. A nod can show that you noticed the person.

How can a writer acknowledge help?

A writer can name and thank the people who contributed.

Comments & contributions

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