beyond recognition — to such an extent that something cannot be identified or recognized anymore
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: to such an extent that something cannot be identified or recognized anymore
Pronunciation (IPA): /bɪˈjɑnd ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃən/
Example Sentences
- After the makeover show, my grandmother was transformed beyond recognition - even her cat didn't recognize her!
- The smartphone has evolved beyond recognition since the first iPhone.
- My cooking skills have improved beyond recognition - I can now burn food in completely new ways!
beyond recognition
ADVERB[/bɪˈjɑnd ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃən/]
to such an extent that something cannot be identified or recognized anymore
to such an extent that something cannot be identified or recognized anymore
His cognition damaged beyond recognition, he lost his position!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines two etymological sources: 'beyond' derives from Old English 'begeondan' (be- + geondan, meaning 'by the yonder' or 'on the far side'), while 'recognition' comes from Latin 'recognitio', the noun form of 'recognoscere' (re- + cognoscere, meaning 'to know again'). Together, the phrase emerged to describe something so altered or changed that it surpasses the ability to be identified or understood.
Breakdown
Beyond: be- (by) + geondan (yonder/far side). Recognition: re- (again) + cognoscere (to know), forming recognitio (the act of knowing again/identifying).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After the makeover show, my grandmother was transformed beyond recognition - even her cat didn't recognize her!”
“The smartphone has evolved beyond recognition since the first iPhone.”
“My cooking skills have improved beyond recognition - I can now burn food in completely new ways!”
“The city center has been renovated beyond recognition over the past decade.”
📚Related Words
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