mindmap root((承认)) acknowledge implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed: ~d a lie. admit stresses reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications: ~ted that the project was over budget. own implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself: must ~ that I know little about computers. avow implies boldly declaring what one might be expected to be silent about: ~ed hostility toward his parents. confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt: ~ed that she had a weakness for sweets.