recognize
rec.og.nize \'rek-ig-.ni-z, -*g-\ vt [modif. of MF reconoiss-, stem of
reconoistre, fr. L recognoscer]e, fr. re- + cognoscere to know - more at
COGNITION 1a: to perceive to be something previously known {recognized the
w ord} 1b: to perceive clearly : REALIZE 2a: to acknowledge with a show of
appreciation {recognizing servic es} 2b: to acknowledge acquaintance with
{~ an old crony} 2c: to admit the fact of 3: to acknowledge formally : as
3a: to admit as being lord or sovereign 3b: to admit as being of a
particular status 3c: to admit as being one entitled to be heard 3d: to
acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of