regain
9 synonyms and 2 antonyms for regain, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To get something back after having lost it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use regain
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
regain consciousness
regain control
regain confidence
Etymology
From Middle French regaigner, formed from re- plus gain.
Full origin of regain →Frequently asked questions
What does “regain” mean?
The word “regain” means to get something back after having lost it. In plain terms, to recover something you had before and lost, such as strength, control, or a position.
How do you pronounce “regain”?
“Regain” is pronounced ree-GAYN (/ɹiːˈɡeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “regain” in a sentence?
Here is “regain” used in a sentence: “It took months of therapy for him to regain full use of his arm.”
What part of speech is “regain”?
“Regain” is a verb.
Where does the word “regain” come from?
The word “regain” comes from Middle French. From Middle French regaigner, formed from re- plus gain.
Is “regain” a common word?
“Regain” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between regain and recover?
Regain means to get something back after having lost it, and it is most often used with concrete or specific things like control, balance, or territory. Recover has a wider range, covering health, money, data, and emotional states, and can also mean returning to a normal condition without implying possession of a specific lost item. "Recover from an illness" sounds natural, while "regain from an illness" does not.
What is the difference between regain and retrieve?
Regain focuses on getting back a state, ability, or position, such as regaining consciousness or regaining strength. Retrieve focuses on physically fetching or bringing back an object, such as retrieving a file or a lost item. Regain is used more for abstract things you possessed, while retrieve emphasizes the act of going and getting something back.
What are common collocations with regain?
Regain is frequently paired with words like consciousness, control, confidence, strength, balance, and composure. These pairings all describe returning to a previous state after it was temporarily lost.
