acknowledge

Everyday

1. To admit or accept that something is true. tree →
2. To show that you have noticed or received something, like a wave or a letter. tree →
3. To thank or give credit to someone publicly. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life: acknowledge a mistake, acknowledge a greeting. In school and formal writing: acknowledge sources, acknowledge receipt of a letter. In stories: a character who will not acknowledge someone is ignoring them. Phrases: acknowledge a mistake, acknowledge receipt, acknowledge someone's help.

Examples

• He finally acknowledged that he had broken the vase. tree →
• She acknowledged me with a nod. tree →
• Please acknowledge receipt of this email. tree →
• The author acknowledged her family at the start of the book. tree →
• The team acknowledged that they had played badly. tree →
• He walked past without acknowledging us. tree →
• For once, Hercules acknowledges himself vanquished." tree →

Note

The "k" is silent: ak-NOL-ij. Spelling: -ledge, not -lege. Noun: acknowledgement (UK) or acknowledgment (US). Formal; everyday words: admit, say thanks, nod to.

In Jewish tradition

In the law of the firstborn, the father must publicly recognize the son of the less-loved wife as firstborn. In Jeremiah the people acknowledge their wickedness, and Proverbs says to acknowledge God in all one's ways.

Interpretation. The law of the firstborn is read as a rule of justice, forbidding a father to favor feelings over rights. Levi's verse is read as praise for the tribe that stood by God. Proverbs is read as teaching that a person who keeps God in mind will be guided on the right path.

Examples

• Who said of his father, and of his mother: 'I have not seen him'; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew he his own children; for they have observed Thy word, and keep Thy covenant. (Torah DEU.33.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• but he shall acknowledge the first-born, the son of the hated, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath; for he is the first-fruits of his strength, the right of the first-born is his. (Torah DEU.21.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• I have to acknowledge my indebtedness to Dr. H. (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →
• In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths. (Writings PRO.3.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge My might. (Prophets ISA.33.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, even the iniquity of our fathers; for we have sinned against Thee. (Prophets JER.14.20, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

The "k" is silent: ak-NOL-ij. Spelling: -ledge, not -lege. Noun: acknowledgement (UK) or acknowledgment (US). Formal; everyday words: admit, say thanks, nod to.