acknowledge [transitive]
1 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.
2 [usually passive] if people acknowledge something, they recognize how good or important it is
acknowledge something as something
The film festival is acknowledged as an event of international importance.
be widely/generally acknowledged to be something
The mill produces what is widely acknowledged to be the finest wool in the world.
3 to accept that someone or something has authority over people:
Both defendants refused to acknowledge the authority of the court.
acknowledge somebody as something
Many of the poor acknowledged him as their spiritual leader.
4 to publicly announce that you are grateful for the help that someone has given you:
We wish to acknowledge the support of the university.
5 to show someone that you have noticed them or heard what they have said:
Tom acknowledged her presence by a brief glance.
6 to let someone know that you have received something from them:
I would be grateful if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter.
16. The government won't even acknowledge the existence of the problem.
1. Definition 1
2. Definition 2
3. Definition 3