Acknowledge Meaning
Acknowledge Definition & Usage
To recognize the existence, truth, or importance of something or someone.
Examples
- "She acknowledged his contribution to the project with a grateful smile."
- "The teacher acknowledged the student's effort in the classroom."
- "It’s important to acknowledge the hard work of your team during a successful project."
- "The company issued a statement acknowledging the environmental concerns raised by activists."
- "The leader acknowledged the public’s concerns during his speech."
To greet or show recognition of someone, typically through a nod, wave, or verbal greeting.
Examples
- "He smiled and nodded to acknowledge her presence in the room."
- "She raised her hand slightly to acknowledge her friend in the crowd."
- "When passing by, he simply acknowledged his neighbors with a brief 'hello.'"
- "The receptionist acknowledged each guest as they entered the hotel."
- "During the meeting, the manager acknowledged everyone who had joined the conference call."
To accept or admit the truth or validity of something formally, often in writing.
Examples
- "The court acknowledged the defendant's right to a fair trial."
- "The company acknowledged receipt of the letter of complaint."
- "The government acknowledged the impact of the new policy on local businesses."
- "The letter was acknowledged by the committee before the meeting began."
- "The bank acknowledged the payment in their system."
Cultural Context
The word 'acknowledge' has evolved from Old French 'acnolir' and Latin 'agnoscere,' both of which imply recognition or recognition of truth. Today, it is commonly used in various contexts, ranging from formal, legal situations to informal, social interactions.
The Unseen Contributions
Story
The Unseen Contributions
In a bustling office in the heart of the city, Sarah sat nervously at her desk, awaiting the weekly team meeting. As her manager, Tom, walked in with a stack of papers, he glanced over to Sarah. She had been working overtime to help meet the company's quarterly goals, though her efforts often went unnoticed. Today, however, things would be different. The meeting began, and as expected, the department heads presented their reports. One by one, they discussed the progress they had made, but Tom remained silent, glancing through his papers. As the room grew quiet, Sarah began to feel the familiar discomfort of being overlooked. But then, Tom spoke up. "Before we proceed," he began, looking around the room, "I would like to acknowledge Sarah for her tireless efforts these past few weeks. She has worked beyond expectations and made a significant impact on our team’s success. We wouldn’t be where we are without her dedication." The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to Sarah. She blushed slightly, not used to receiving public recognition. Tom smiled, noting her modesty. "Sarah, your contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed. I acknowledge the late nights and early mornings you put in. You’ve done remarkable work, and I’m proud to have you on this team." As the team applauded, Sarah felt a wave of relief wash over her. Not only had her efforts been acknowledged, but she also realized that acknowledgment meant more than just recognition. It meant that her work had mattered, and that the small acts of effort, often unseen, were crucial to the team’s success. After the meeting, Sarah walked over to Tom’s desk. "Thank you for acknowledging me today," she said with a smile. "It really meant a lot." Tom nodded. "You deserve it, Sarah. Sometimes we forget to acknowledge the quiet contributors in our teams, but you remind me of the importance of recognition. Keep up the good work." As Sarah left the office that evening, she felt a renewed sense of pride in her work. She knew that acknowledgment was not just about words – it was about truly recognizing someone’s efforts, and that was something she would carry with her from that day forward.