English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

Borrowed from French reconnaissance (recognition). Doublet of recognizance.

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ɹɪˈkɒnəsəns/
  • (file)

Noun edit

reconnaissance (countable and uncountable, plural reconnaissances)

  1. The act of scouting or exploring (especially military or medical) to gain information.
    • 1973, Arthur C. Clarke, Rendezvous with Rama:
      The third member, Sergeant Pieter Rousseau, had been with the back-up teams at the Hub; he was an expert on space reconnaissance instrumentation, but on this trip he would have to depend on his own eyes and a small portable telescope.

Derived terms edit

Related terms edit

Translations edit

Further reading edit

French edit

Etymology edit

From reconnaiss- (present participle stem of reconnaître, cf. reconnaissant) + -ance. Compare also Medieval Latin recognōscentia (a recognizing, acknowledgement), Italian riconoscenza.

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

reconnaissance f (plural reconnaissances)

  1. reconnaissance
  2. thankfulness
    Synonym: gratitude
  3. recognition

Derived terms edit

Further reading edit