- acknowledge
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—acknowledgeable, adj. —acknowledger, n./ak nol"ij/, v.t., acknowledged, acknowledging.1. to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of: to acknowledge one's mistakes.2. to show or express recognition or realization of: to acknowledge an acquaintance by nodding.3. to recognize the authority, validity, or claims of: The students acknowledged the authority of the student council.4. to show or express appreciation or gratitude for: to acknowledge a favor.5. to indicate or make known the receipt of: to acknowledge a letter.6. to take notice of or reply to: to acknowledge a greeting.7. Law. to confirm as binding or of legal force: to acknowledge a deed.[1475-85; acknowleche, appar. either ME aknou(en) to recognize (OE oncnawan; see A-1, KNOW) + -leche n. suffix (OE *-laece, by-form of -lac; cf. KNOWLEDGE, WEDLOCK); or b. aknouen and knouleche KNOWLEDGE; then a- was mistaken for AC-]Syn. 1. concede, confess, grant. ACKNOWLEDGE, ADMIT, CONFESS agree in the idea of declaring something to be true. ACKNOWLEDGE implies making a statement reluctantly, often about something previously denied: to acknowledge a fault. ADMIT especially implies acknowledging something under pressure: to admit a charge. CONFESS usually means stating somewhat formally an admission of wrongdoing, crime, or shortcoming: to confess guilt; to confess an inability to understand.Ant. 1. deny, disclaim, disavow.
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Universalium. 2010.