Usage: The Understanding Words

Got a nice questions from reader Perfect Fighter's requesting on the differences of the words "know", "recognize", "realize", "aware" and "notice" -- the words with the meaning of Understanding. I have both the simple explanation and the detail one, and that is...they are all pretty similar. When you know something, you understand.

eg. I know you like chicken wings.

When you recognise something, you have seen it before and you remember it, which is why there is a prefix "re-" in front.

eg. I recognise him, he is a thief!!!

When you realise something, you finally feel or understand something  that you never understood before, because they didn't feel "real" to you, which is why "realise" is formed formed from "real" and "ise", means something becomes "real" to you.

eg. I realised that I wasn't good enough.

When you are aware of something, means you have experienced it and you already know about it.

eg. I am aware of the danger of bungee jumping, but I still want to try it.

When you notice something, you take special attention to something that is not obvious.

eg. I notice that she is scratching her forearms often.

Sometimes, the difference is small, such as,

• I know he is not my cup of tea. (I know that long time ago)
• I realised that he is not my cup of tea. (At that moment, I finally understand)

• When I stood up, I realised that my trousers was broken.
• When I stood up, I noticed that my trousers was broken.

Sometimes, they are interchangable, such as,

• I know you! You are the guy on TV last night!
• I recognise you! You are the guy on TV last night!

• I am aware of the danger of illegal crossing. (More formal)
• I know the danger of illegal crossing. (Less formal)

Sometimes, they are not interchangeable,

• I know him since high school. (but not I recognise/realise/aware of/notice him since high school)

So, how to tell the differences? Have you got your answer?


 Resources:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/realize_1?q=realise#realize_1__3 http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/realize_2#realize_2__3 http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/recognize_1?q=recognize http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/aware?q=aware http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/notice_1?q=notice