WordGarden.iorecognizably
C1Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈrɛkəɡˌnaɪzəbli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a way that is clearly identifiable as familiar or characteristic
Beyond the definition
If something is recognizably a certain thing, it has enough key features for you to identify it, even if it is changed, old, or imperfect. It is more than just "looking like" something; it means it is still clearly identifiable as that thing. Think of a melted snowman: it might be a messy pile of slush, but it remains recognizably a snowman because you can still see the carrot nose and the coal eyes in their familiar arrangement.
The word is rooted in "recognition." If you can still identify the basic nature of something despite major changes, it remains recognizably itself. For instance, a famous painting damaged in a fire might still be recognizably the original work despite being charred around the edges. Similarly, a singer whose voice has deepened with age may still sound recognizably like the same person. It is all about keeping those core characteristics that allow for identification.
The word "recognizably" describes something that is clear enough to be identified, even if it has been altered, damaged, or is no longer in its best condition. It implies a level of distinctiveness where the essential, defining features remain present. Imagine an artist sketching a quick caricature: if the finished work is recognizably the subject, you can immediately tell who it is meant to be, even if the proportions are exaggerated and far from photorealistic.
This term suggests more than a passing similarity; it indicates a definitive connection to a known entity. A historic building following a modern renovation might stay recognizably the same structure, even with new glass walls and updated materials. In music, a song covered by a different artist can be recognizably the original tune, even if the tempo is slower or the instrumentation has changed from rock to jazz.
"Recognizably" is most effective when describing things that have undergone a transformation but have not lost their core identity. A child who has grown into an adult is often recognizably the same person they were years ago, as their smile or the shape of their eyes remains unchanged. It is used to emphasize that while the exterior may be different, the origins or essential nature are still apparent.
The context often implies a comparison—recognizing something as what it once was, or what it is supposed to be, despite its current state. If you look at a blurry, old photograph and can still say, "That's recognizably my grandfather," you are acknowledging the enduring traits that allow for a positive ID despite the poor quality of the image.
Examples
- 1
Renovated building
Even after the renovations, the old theater was still recognizably the same building.
- 2
Personal voice
Her voice sounded tired on the phone, but it was still recognizably hers.
- 3
Brand identity
The new logo is cleaner and simpler, but it is recognizably part of the same brand.
- 4
Writing influence
His latest novel is recognizably influenced by his years working as a journalist.
See also
Similar
- identifiably
- discernibly
- noticeably
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- unrecognizably
- indistinctly
Used with (collocations)
- recognizably different
- recognizably human
- recognizably similar
- recognizably modern
Word family
Explore
- recognition
- perceptibility
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- recognizablyadverb