Recognize (verb)

1. To identify as something or someone previously seen, known, or experienced.
2. To acknowledge or accept the validity or authority of.

Origin:

From middle english recognosen, from old french reconoiss-, stem of reconoistre, from latin recognoscere, from re- + cognoscere "know".

Examples:

1. I recognize that face, but I can't quite place it.
2. She recognized his voice on the phone immediately.
3. He recognized the painting as a masterpiece.
4. They recognized the need for more funding.
5. The government recognized the new country.