B2verb2K

Recover

UK /["/rɪˈkʌvə(r)/","/rɪˈkʌvəz/","/rɪˈkʌvəd/","/rɪˈkʌvərɪŋ/"]/US /["/rɪˈkʌvər/","/rɪˈkʌvərz/","/rɪˈkʌvərd/","/rɪˈkʌvərɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to get well again after being ill, hurt, etc.

In simple words: to get better after something bad happens

Examples

  • After the accident, it took her a long time to recover physically and emotionally.
  • The economy is expected to recover in the next few years following the recession.
  • He managed to recover the lost files from his computer.
  • Athletes often need time to recover after an intense training session.
  • She was relieved to recover her passport just before her trip.

Usage notes

Used when talking about getting back health or strength after illness or difficult situations. Not typically used in very casual settings.

Grammar pattern

recover + object

Memory hint

Think 'recover' as getting your cover back after losing it.

Collocations

  • completely
  • fully
  • partially
  • help somebody (to)
  • struggle to
  • from
  • completely
  • fully
  • partially
  • help somebody (to)
  • struggle to
  • from

Synonyms

  • regain

Antonyms

  • decline
  • deteriorate
  • worsen

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'discover' — they have different meanings.
  • Incorrectly using it without an object, e.g., 'I recovered' instead of 'I recovered my strength'.
  • Mixing up 'recover' with 'recuperate' in contexts.