Can I say "recognize" instead of "know"?

Rebecca

Yes, in this scenario, you can use "recognize" instead of "know." However, these words are not always interchangeable. "Recognize" means to know someone or something because you have seen or heard him or her or experienced it before. "Know" means to be certain of something, to have information in your mind. Here are examples where "recognize" and "know" are interchangeable. Ex: I recognize/know him from somewhere. Ex: I recognize/know this song. Here are examples where "recognize" and "know" are not interchangeable. Ex: I don't know. Ex: I recognized her immediately.