/ək'nɒlɪdʒ; ək`nɑlɪdʒ/
v
1 [Tn, Tf, Tw, Cn.a, Cn.t] accept the truth of (sth); admit (sth) 承认（某事物）属实; 供认（某事物）
*acknowledge the need for reform 承认改革的需要
* a generally acknowledged fact 公认的事实
* He acknowledged it to be true/that it was true. 他供认那是事实.
* They refused to acknowledge defeat/that they were defeated/themselves beaten. 他们拒不承认失败[他们被打败/自己被击败].
2 [Tn] report that one has received (sth) 告知已收到（某物）
*acknowledge (receipt of) a letter 告知已收到一封信.
3 [Tn] express thanks for (sth) 为（某事物）表示感谢
*acknowledge help 对相助表示感谢
* His services to the country were never officially acknowledged. 他对国家所作的贡献从未受到过正式的表彰.
4 [Tn] show that one has noticed or recognized (sb) by a smile, nod of the head, greeting, etc 以微笑, 点头, 打招呼等表示注意到或认出（某人）
*I was standing right next to her, but she didn't even acknowledge me/my presence. 我就站在她旁边, 可是她连个招呼都不跟我打.
5 (a) [Cn.n/a, Cn.t] ~ sb (as sth) accept sb (as sth) 承认某人（为某事物）
*Stephen acknowledged Henry as (ie recognized his claim to be) his heir. 斯蒂芬接受亨利为他的继承人.
* He was generally acknowledged to be the finest poet in the land. 他是公认的全国最优秀的诗人.
(b) [Tn] accept or recognize (sth) 接受或承认（某事物）
*The country acknowledged his claim to the throne. 全国人民确认了他的王权.

v [T]

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1【admit】
2【recognize something's importance】
3【accept somebody's authority】
4【thank】
5【show you notice somebody】
6【say you have received something】

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[Date: 1400-1500; Origin: ac- (as in accord) + knowledge]
【ADMIT】
to admit or accept that something is true or that a situation exists
　The family acknowledge the need for change.
acknowledge that
　He acknowledges that when he's tired he gets bad-tempered.
　Claire acknowledged that she was guilty.
　The government must acknowledge what is happening and do something about it.
　'Maybe you are right,' she acknowledged.
　This is a fact that most smokers readily acknowledge .
【RECOGNIZE SOMETHING'S IMPORTANCE】 [usually passive]
if people acknowledge something, they recognize how good or important it is
acknowledge sth as sth
　The film festival is acknowledged as an event of international importance.
be widely/generally acknowledged to be sth
　The mill produces what is widely acknowledged to be the finest wool in the world.
【ACCEPT SOMEBODY'S AUTHORITY】
to accept that someone or something has authority over people
　Both defendants refused to acknowledge the authority of the court.
acknowledge sb as sth
　Many of the poor acknowledged him as their spiritual leader.
【THANK】
to publicly announce that you are grateful for the help that someone has given you
　We wish to acknowledge the support of the university.
【SHOW YOU NOTICE SOMEBODY】
to show someone that you have noticed them or heard what they have said
　Tom acknowledged her presence by a brief glance.
【SAY YOU HAVE RECEIVED SOMETHING】
to let someone know that you have received something from them
　I would be grateful if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter.