recover
Recover (verb) means to get better after being ill, injured, or upset. Example: “It took him weeks to recover from the flu.”
How to use recover
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo get better, or to get something back.
Word forms
recovered past tense, recovered past tense, recover plural, recovered plural, recovers plural, recovers singular, recover singular, recovered singular, recoverest singular, recoveredst singular, recovereth singular, recovers singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It took him weeks to _____ from the flu.
Etymology
From Old French recovrer, from Latin recuperare — the same root as recuperate.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for recover
See all rhymes for recover →Frequently asked questions
What does “recover” mean?
The word “recover” means to get better after being ill, injured, or upset. In plain terms, to get better, or to get something back.
How do you pronounce “recover”?
“Recover” is pronounced rih-KUH-vuh (/ɹɪˈkʌvɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “recover” in a sentence?
Here is “recover” used in a sentence: “It took him weeks to recover from the flu.”
What part of speech is “recover”?
“Recover” is a verb.
Where does the word “recover” come from?
The word “recover” comes from Latin. From Old French recovrer, from Latin recuperare — the same root as recuperate.
Is “recover” a common word?
“Recover” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “recover” have?
“Recover” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to get better after being ill, injured, or upset.
What is the difference between "recover" and "recuperate"?
Both mean to get better after being ill or weakened, but "recuperate" is more formal and refers specifically to recovering health or strength, often through rest. "Recover" is broader and also covers getting back something lost, stolen, or taken. You recuperate from surgery, but you recover a stolen wallet.
What is the difference between "recover" and "heal"?
"Heal" describes a wound, injury, or the body itself mending, and it can happen to a specific part, as in "the cut healed." "Recover" describes the whole person or situation getting better overall. A broken bone heals, while the patient recovers.
What is the difference between "recover" and "re-cover"?
"Recover" (one word, no hyphen) means to get better after illness or to get back something lost. "Re-cover" (with a hyphen) means to cover something again, such as re-covering a sofa with new fabric. The hyphen changes both the meaning and the pronunciation.
What is the difference between "recover" and "retrieve"?
"Retrieve" means to actively go and bring something back, often from where it was placed or lost. "Recover" means to regain possession of something that was lost, stolen, or taken, whether or not you fetched it yourself. Police may recover stolen goods, while a dog retrieves a ball.
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