How to pronounce recognise
Say it like REK-ug-nyze. Recognise has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce recognise. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REK
- ug
- nyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Recognise pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- REKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ugKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nyzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of recognise
American and British speakers say recognise in essentially the same way: /ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪz/ in the US and /ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: REK-ug-nyze.
What does recognise mean?
- show approval or appreciation of“My work is not recognized by anybody!”“The best student was recognized by the Dean”
- grant credentials to“The Regents officially recognized the new educational institution”“recognize an academic degree”
- detect with the senses“The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards”“I can't make out the faces in this photograph”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with recognise
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of recognise.
Words that sound like recognise
Questions about saying recognise
How do you pronounce recognise?
Say REK-ug-nyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in recognise?
Recognise has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REK). Broken into parts: REK · ug · nyze.
Do Americans and Brits say recognise the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪz/ and the British form is /ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as recognise?
Recognise sounds the same as recognize in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.