Rec`og*ni"tion (r&ebreve;k`&obreve;g*n&ibreve;sh"ŭn), n. [L. recognitio: cf. F. recognition. See Recognizance.] The act of recognizing, or the state of being recognized; acknowledgment; formal avowal; knowledge confessed or avowed; notice.

The lives of such saints had, at the time of their yearly memorials, solemn recognition in the church of God.

• the act of recognizing or the condition of being recognized
       He looked at her for ten full minutes before recognition dawned.
  
• An awareness that something observed has been observed before
  
• Acceptance as valid or true
       The law was a recognition of their civil rights.
  
• Official acceptance of the status of a new government by that of another country
  
• honor, favorable note, or attention
       The charity gained plenty of recognition for its efforts, but little money.