1. (v. t.) To recognize as a fact or truth; to declare one's belief in; as, to acknowledge the being of a God.

2. (v. t.) To own or recognize in a particular character or relationship; to admit the claims or authority of; to give recognition to.

3. (v. t.) To own with gratitude or as a benefit or an obligation; as, to acknowledge a favor, the receipt of a letter.

4. (v. t.) To own as genuine; to assent to, as a legal instrument, to give it validity; to avow or admit in legal form; as, to acknowledge a deed.