Recently: meaning, definitions and examples

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recently

 

[ ˈriːsəntli ]

Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in the near past

Very recently means just before the present time or not long ago.

Synonyms

freshly, just now, lately.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recently

This word is often used to describe events or actions that happened not long ago. It's suitable for both formal and informal situations and implies a general timeframe.

  • I have recently moved to a new city.
  • She has been very busy recently.
lately

This word is best used to describe activities or conditions that have been occurring over a recent period. It often implies a repeated or ongoing action.

  • I've been feeling tired lately.
  • He's been working a lot of overtime lately.
just now

This expression emphasizes something that happened in the immediate past, very recently. It is mostly used in informal conversations.

  • I saw him just now.
  • She called me just now.
freshly

This word is usually associated with things that were made or done in the very near past. It's often used in contexts related to food, beauty, or something that can be 'fresh'.

  • The bread is freshly baked.
  • She has a freshly painted room.

Examples of usage

  • I saw her recently at the grocery store.
  • He has only recently started his new job.
Context #2 | Adverb

in the recent past

Recently can also mean a short time before now.

Synonyms

lately, newly, of late.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recently

Used to describe something that happened a short time ago, typically within the past few days, weeks, or months.

  • I recently started a new job.
  • She recently moved to a new city.
lately

Employed when referring to events or situations occurring over a period, generally with an ongoing or repetitive sense.

  • I've been feeling tired lately.
  • Lately, he has been very busy.
of late

A more formal or old-fashioned way to refer to something that has happened recently or within the near past.

  • She has been very happy of late.
  • There have been some changes in the company of late.
newly

Usually used to describe something that has just come into existence or has been recently created or inaugurated.

  • The newly constructed building is impressive.
  • Newlyweds often look for a new house.

Examples of usage

  • She recently moved to a new city.
  • The company recently announced a new product.

Translations

Translations of the word "recently" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recentemente

🇮🇳 हाल ही में

🇩🇪 kürzlich

🇮🇩 baru-baru ini

🇺🇦 нещодавно

🇵🇱 ostatnio

🇯🇵 最近 (さいきん)

🇫🇷 récemment

🇪🇸 recientemente

🇹🇷 son zamanlarda

🇰🇷 최근에

🇸🇦 مؤخرًا

🇨🇿 nedávno

🇸🇰 nedávno

🇨🇳 最近 (zuìjìn)

🇸🇮 nedavno

🇮🇸 nýlega

🇰🇿 жақында

🇬🇪 ბოლო დროს

🇦🇿 son vaxtlar

🇲🇽 recientemente

Etymology

The word 'recently' originated from the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word 'recent', from the Latin word 'recentem' meaning 'fresh, young, new'. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in the English language, representing a short period before the present time.

See also: recent, recentness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,005, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.