Definition of acknowledge

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ac·knowl·edge    (k-nlj) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
ac·knowl·edged, ac·knowl·edg·ing, ac·knowl·edg·es

1. 1. To admit the existence, reality, or truth of.
   2. To recognize as being valid or having force or power.
2. 1. To express recognition of: acknowledge a friend's smile.
   2. To express thanks or gratitude for.
3. To report the receipt of: acknowledge a letter.
4. Law To accept or certify as legally binding: acknowledge a deed.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Probably blend of Middle English knowlechen, to acknowledge (from knouen, to know; see know), and Middle English aknouen, to recognize (from Old English oncnwan, to know : on-, on; see on + cnwan, to know; see know)

OTHER FORMS:
ac·knowledge·a·ble(Adjective)

SYNONYMS:
acknowledge, admit, own, avow, confess, concede

These verbs mean to admit the reality or truth of something, often reluctantly. To acknowledge is to accept responsibility for something one makes known: He acknowledged his mistake. Admit implies reluctance in acknowledging one's acts or another point of view: "She was attracted by the frankness of a suitor who . . . admitted that he did not believe in marriage" (Edith Wharton). Own stresses personal acceptance and responsibility: She owned that she feared for the child's safety. Avow means to assert openly and boldly: "Old Mrs. Webb avowed that he, in the space of two hours, had worn out her pew more . . . than she had by sitting in it forty years" (Kate Douglas Wiggin). Confess usually emphasizes disclosure of something damaging or inconvenient to oneself: I have to confess that I lied to you. To concede is to intellectually accept something, often against one's will: The lawyer refused to concede that the two cases had similarities.