transitive verb acknowledged -·edged, acknowledging -·edg·ing

1. to admit to be true or as stated; confess
2. to recognize the authority or claims of
3. to recognize and answer (a greeting or greeter, an introduction, etc.)
4. to express thanks for
5. to state that one has received (a letter, gift, favor, payment, etc.)
6. Law to admit or affirm as genuine; certify in legal form to acknowledge a deed

Etymology: earlier aknowledge < ME knowlechen < knowleche (see knowledge): infl. by ME aknowen < OE oncnawan, to understand, know, with Latinized prefix