recognize

transitive verb | rec·og·nize

1. a : to admit as being of a particular status recognize a precedent recognize a union; specifically : to acknowledge (as a right, cause of action, or defense) as valid : to acknowledge (as a right, cause of action, or defense) as valid

   b : to admit as being one entitled to be heard : give the floor to

   c : to acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of refused to recognize the new government

2. : to account for as real, received, or incurred and treat and record appropriately; specifically : to account for (a gain, loss, expense, or income) on current accounting or tax records recognized the gain when she included it as income on her tax return — compare realize : to account for (a gain, loss, expense, or income) on current accounting or tax records recognized the gain when she included it as income on her tax return — compare realize