acknowledge vs. recognize

acknowledge (transitive verb):
to say that you accept or do not deny the truth of existence of (something)
to regard or describe (someone or something) as having or deserving a particular status
to tell or show someone that something (such as a letter or message) has been received
to recognize the rights, authority, or status of
to disclose knowledge of or agreement with
to express gratitude or obligation for <acknowledge a gift
to take notice of  acknowledge my greeting
to make known the receipt of <acknowledge a letter
to recognize as genuine or valid 
Examples:
They acknowledged that the decision was a mistake.
Do you acknowledge that you caused this mess?
They readily acknowledged their mistake.
She won't acknowledge responsibility for her actions
He quickly acknowledges all of my e-mails when he receives them.
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.
She acknowledged the gift with a card.
She acknowledged his greeting with a smile.

recognize (transitive verb):
to know and remember (someone or something) because of previous knowledge or experience
to accept or be aware that (something) is true or exists
to accept and approve of (something) as having legal or official authority
to acknowledge formally as
to admit as being lord or sovereign
to admit as being of a particular status
to admit as being one entitled to be heard :  give the floor to
to acknowledge the de facto existence or the independence of
to acknowledge or take notice of in some definite way: as
to acknowledge with a show of appreciation 
to acknowledge acquaintance with 
to perceive to be something or someone previously known 
to perceive clearly :  realize

adj: recognizable

adv: recognizably 

noun; recognizability

noun: recognizer