certify vs recognize

certify and recognize both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
certify	No	No	Yes	No
recognize	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, recognize is a hyponym of certify; that is, recognize is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than certify:

Other hyponyms of certify include franchise, charter, accredit, recognise.

certify (verb)	recognize (verb)
provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes	perceive to be the same
declare legally insane	be fully aware or cognizant of
guarantee payment on; of checks	accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority
guarantee as meeting a certain standard	express obligation, thanks, or gratitude for
authorize officially	express greetings upon meeting someone
	detect with the senses
	grant credentials to
	show approval or appreciation of
	exhibit recognition for (an antigen or a substrate)