区别辨析acknowledge、admit、confess、recognize与concede

这些动词均含“承认”之意。

acknowledge :通常指公开承认某事的真实情况或自己的过错。

  • She refuses to acknowledge the need for reform.
    她拒不承认改革的必要性。
  • a generally acknowledged fact
    公认的事实

admit :强调因外力或良心驱使或经判断而明确承认,多含不情愿或被迫意味。

  • She admits to being strict with her children.
    她承认对自己的孩子很严厉。

confess :语气较强,着重承认自己意识到的错误或罪行,含坦白忏悔的意味。

  • She confessed to the murder.
    她供认犯了谋杀罪。
  • After hours of questioning, the suspect confessed.
    经过数小时的审问后,嫌疑犯终于招供。

recognize :作“承认”解时,系书面用词,主要指合法的或外交上的承认,也指公认。

  • They recognized the need to take the problem seriously.
    他们认识到需要严肃对待这个问题。
  • Drugs were not recognized as a problem then.
    那时候还没有把毒品看成严重问题。

concede :指在事实与证据面前勉强或不得不承认。

  • ‘Not bad,’ she conceded grudgingly.
    “不错。”她勉强承认道。
  • He was forced to concede (that) there might be difficulties.
    他被迫承认可能有困难。