acknowledge

verb

Etymology: 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.

1. To admit the knowledge of; to recognize as a fact or truth; to declare one's belief in.

   “to acknowledge the being of a god”

   “I acknowledge my transgressions.”

2. To own or recognize in a particular quality, character or relationship; to admit the claims or authority of; to give recognition to.

   “By my soul, I'll ne'er acknowledge thee.”

   “In all thy ways acknowledge Him.”

3. To be grateful of (e.g. a benefit or a favour)

   “to acknowledge a favor”

   “They his gifts acknowledged none.”

4. To report (the receipt of a message to its sender).

   “This is to acknowledge your kind invitation to participate in the upcoming debate.”

5. To own as genuine or valid; to assent to (a legal instrument) to give it validity; to avow or admit in legal form.

   “One who has been sheriff may acknowledge a deed executed by him while in office.”