Acknowledgements

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A formal expression of gratitude or recognition for contributions made by individuals or organizations in a specific context
2. A section in a written work where the author thanks those who assisted or supported in the creation of the work
3. An acknowledgment of the efforts or impacts of others, often found in academic texts or publications

Etymology: "Acknowledgements" is the plural of "acknowledgement," and the singular carries the older history. The root is the Middle English verb "knowledge," which at one point was spelled with a hidden "a" and meant something close to "to confess or admit." Over time the sense softened from admitting something to recognizing someone's contribution, and the noun followed that shift. The plural form is what appears in academic prefaces, where it is used for the list of people and institutions a writer thanks. In that setting, each name is a separate acknowledgement, so the plural is natural.

Synonyms: recognitions, admissions, responses