She 'is' widely/generally 'acknowledged' as one of the world's best chefs. [=many people regard her as one of the world's best chefs]
He refuses to 'acknowledge' the authority of the court. [=he denies that the court has authority]
The players 'acknowledged' their fans by waving their hands and blowing kisses into the crowd.
(..) listen to me! Is he looking? Is he looking? - We've got a problem. - Tell me. I can't do Chris' makeup. She refuses to acknowledge her mustache. - Is it bad? - It looks like her eyebrow fell down. Unless we convince her to let me bleach it... (..)1996 TvShow: Friends Title: The One After the Superbowl: Part 1 Season: 2 Episode 12