Acknowledge vs. Thank: What's the Difference?
Acknowledge and Thank Definitions
Acknowledge
To admit the existence or truth of
The doctors acknowledged that the treatment had not been successful.
Thank
To express gratitude to; give thanks to
He thanked her for the gift.
Acknowledge
To express recognition of; make notice of
"When he saw me acknowledge him, he smiled as if we were dear friends" (Angela Patrinos).
Thank
To hold responsible; credit
We can thank the parade for this traffic jam.
Acknowledge
To express gratitude or appreciation for or to
Acknowledged the contributions of the volunteers.
Acknowledged her editor in the preface to the book.
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Thank
Used ironically in the future tense to express a rebuke
I'll thank you to keep quiet until the presentation is finished.
Acknowledge
To report the receipt of (something) to the sender or giver
Acknowledge a letter.
Thank
An expression of appreciation; a thought.
Acknowledge
(Law) To accept or certify as legally binding
Acknowledge a deed of ownership.
Thank
(transitive) To express gratitude or appreciation toward.
She thanked him for the lift.
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Acknowledge
(transitive) To admit the knowledge of; to recognize as a fact or truth; to declare one's belief in
To acknowledge the being of a god
Thank
(transitive) To feel gratitude or appreciation toward.
I'll thank you not to smoke in my house!
Acknowledge
(transitive) To own or recognize in a particular quality, character or relationship; to admit the claims or authority of; to give recognition to.
Thank
(transitive) To credit or hold responsible.
We can thank global warming for this weather.
Acknowledge
(transitive) To be grateful of (e.g. a benefit or a favour)
To acknowledge a favor
Thank
A expression of gratitude; an acknowledgment expressive of a sense of favor or kindness received; obligation, claim, or desert, or gratitude; - now generally used in the plural.
If ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
What great thank, then, if any man, reputed wise and constant, will neither do, nor permit others under his charge to do, that which he approves not, especially in matter of sin?
Thanks, thanks to thee, most worthy friend,For the lesson thou hast taught.
Full sooth is said that love ne lordship,Will not, his thanks, have no fellowship.
Acknowledge
(transitive) To report (the receipt of a message to its sender).
This is to acknowledge your kind invitation to participate in the upcoming debate.
Thank
To express gratitude to (anyone) for a favor; to make acknowledgments to (anyone) for kindness bestowed; - used also ironically for blame.
"Graunt mercy, lord, that thank I you," quod she.
I thank thee for thine honest care.
Weigh the danger with the doubtful bliss,And thank yourself if aught should fall amiss.
Acknowledge
(transitive) To own as genuine or valid; to assent to (a legal instrument) to give it validity; to avow or admit in legal form.
Thank
Express gratitude or show appreciation to
Acknowledge
To own or admit the knowledge of; to recognize as a fact or truth; to declare one's belief in; as, to acknowledge the being of a God.
I acknowledge my transgressions.
For ends generally acknowledged to be good.
Acknowledge
To own or recognize in a particular character or relationship; to admit the claims or authority of; to give recognition to.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him.
By my soul, I'll ne'er acknowledge thee.
Acknowledge
To own with gratitude or as a benefit or an obligation; as, to acknowledge a favor, the receipt of a letter.
They his gifts acknowledged none.
Acknowledge
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.
Acknowledge
Declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of;
He admitted his errors
She acknowledged that she might have forgotten
Acknowledge
Report the receipt of;
The program committee acknowledged the submission of the authors of the paper
Acknowledge
Express recognition of the presence or existence of, or acquaintance with;
He never acknowledges his colleagues when they run into him in the hallway
She acknowledged his complement with a smile
It is important to acknowledge the work of others in one's own writing
Acknowledge
Express obligation, thanks, or gratitude for;
We must acknowledge the kindness she showed towards us
Acknowledge
Accept as legally binding and valid;
Acknowledge the deed
Acknowledge
Accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority;
The Crown Prince was acknowledged as the true heir to the throne
We do not recognize your gods
