“Know” vs. “Recognize”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “know” and “recognize”

  • "Know" implies a deeper level of understanding, while "recognize" is more focused on identifying or acknowledging something.
  • "Know" often involves personal experience or education, while "recognize" can be based purely on sensory information.
  • "Know" is more subjective and internal, while "recognize" is often objective and external.
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What is the definition of “know” and “recognize”?

Know
  • "Know" refers to having information or understanding about something or someone.
  • It often implies a deeper level of familiarity or experience with a particular subject.
  • The knowledge can be gained through personal experience, education, or research.
Recognize
  • "Recognize" refers to being able to identify something or someone, often through visual or auditory cues.
  • It does not necessarily imply a deeper level of understanding or familiarity with the subject.
  • The recognition can be based on previous experience or knowledge, or it can be a new experience of identification.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Know” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Know
10,720,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I know how to play the guitar.
  2. Do you know what time it is?
  3. She knows all the best places to eat in town.
Recognize
1,080,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I recognize that song on the radio.
  2. It's hard to recognize him without his beard.
  3. He felt like he was finally got recognition from his father.
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