recognizing

transitive verb recognized, recognizing

1. to be aware of as something or someone known before, or as the same as that known: to recognize an old friend after many years
2. to know by some detail, as of appearance; identify: to recognize a butterfly by its coloring
3. to be aware of the significance of: to recognize symptoms
4. to acknowledge the existence, validity, authority, or genuineness of: to recognize a claim
5. to accept as a fact; admit; accept: to recognize defeat
6. to acknowledge as worthy of appreciation or approval: to recognize devotion
7. to acknowledge the legal standing of (a government, state, etc.) by some formal action, as by entering into diplomatic relations
8. to show acquaintance with (a person) by greeting
9. ☆ to acknowledge as having the right to speak, as in a meeting