Which term refers to identifying specific characteristics of an item?

The term that refers to identifying specific characteristics of an item is "recognise." In the context of cognitive verbs, recognizing involves the ability to observe and name particular features or qualities that distinguish one item from another. This skill is fundamental in various academic and practical scenarios, as it enables an individual to categorize, analyze, and engage with the information meaningfully.

The other terms have different meanings: reflecting pertains to contemplating and thinking critically about experiences or information; proposing involves suggesting an idea or plan for consideration; and adapting refers to modifying something to suit new conditions or needs. These actions do not specifically focus on the identification of characteristics but rather involve different cognitive processes. Therefore, "recognise" is the most appropriate term for the task of identifying specific characteristics.