How to pronounce recognize
Say it like REK-ug-nyze. Recognize 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 recognize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REK
- ug
- nyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Recognize 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 recognize
American and British speakers say recognize in essentially the same way: /ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪz/ in the US and /ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: REK-ug-nyze.
What does recognize mean?
- accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority“The Crown Prince was acknowledged as the true heir to the throne”“We do not recognize your gods”
- be fully aware or cognizant of
- 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”
Where does recognize come from?
Borrowed from Middle French reconoistre, from Old French reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere, first attested in the 16th century.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with recognize
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of recognize.
Words that sound like recognize
Questions about saying recognize
How do you pronounce recognize?
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 recognize?
Recognize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REK). Broken into parts: REK · ug · nyze.
Do Americans and Brits say recognize 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 recognize?
Recognize sounds the same as recognise in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.