Recline: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿช‘
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recline

 

[rษชหˆklaษชn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

on a chair

To recline means to sit or lie back in a relaxed or comfortable position, usually on a chair or sofa.

Synonyms

lean back, relax, rest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recline

Use 'recline' when referring to adjusting a seat or backrest to a more horizontal position, typically for comfort or relaxation.

  • She pushed a button to recline her seat on the plane.
  • The doctor asked me to recline on the examination table.
lean back

Use 'lean back' when the action involves tilting or resting the upper body backward without necessarily changing the position of the lower body. This is often a less formal action compared to 'recline'.

  • He decided to lean back in his chair and take a deep breath.
  • While watching the movie, she leaned back to get more comfortable.
rest

Use 'rest' when referring to taking a break to recover energy or health. It's a broad term that includes sleeping, lying down, or simply stopping activities.

  • After the hike, they found a shady spot to rest.
  • The doctor advised him to rest to speed up his recovery.
relax

Use 'relax' for general situations involving unwinding, reducing stress, or taking it easy. This term does not necessarily point to a specific body posture.

  • After a long day at work, she likes to relax by reading a book.
  • You should take some time to relax during the holiday.

Examples of usage

  • I like to recline on my favorite armchair after a long day at work.
  • She reclined on the sofa, reading a book and sipping tea.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'reclinare,' meaning 'to lean back.'
  • It entered into English in the late Middle Ages, reflecting a shift in furniture design towards more reclined seating options.
  • The addition of prefix 're-' implies doing something back again, which connects with the action of leaning back.

Health

  • Reclining can help reduce pressure on the spine, providing relief for back pain.
  • Medical professionals recommend reclining postures during rest for better circulation and relaxation.
  • It's often advised to recline during certain exercises to enhance flexibility and core strength.

Psychology

  • Leaning back in a chair has been linked to increased feelings of safety and comfort, encouraging openness in conversation.
  • Reclining is often associated with leisure, signaling the brain to relax and reduce stress levels.
  • Studies show that people are more creative when they recline, as it promotes a relaxed mindset.

Design

  • Reclining furniture has evolved significantly, from basic reclining chairs to high-tech adjustable beds.
  • The first mechanical recliner was patented in the 1920s, revolutionizing relaxation at home.
  • Modern design trends have integrated ergonomic principles, making recliners more comfortable and supportive.

Pop Culture

  • Reclining chairs are iconic in movies, often depicting a characterโ€™s downtime or relaxation.
  • Popular culture often associates recliners with sports viewing, reinforcing the idea of leisure and comfort.
  • In television advertisements, reclining chairs frequently symbolize the ultimate relaxation space for families.

Translations

Translations of the word "recline" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น reclinar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ€เค›เฅ‡ เคเฅเค•เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช zurรผcklehnen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bersandar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดั…ะธะปะธั‚ะธัั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ odchyliฤ‡ siฤ™

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚‚ใŸใ‚Œใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท s'incliner

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ reclinarse

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yaslanmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ธฐ๋Œ€๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุชูƒุฆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ opล™รญt se

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ oprieลฅ sa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nasloniti se

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ halla sรฉr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐั€ั‚า›ะฐ ัาฏะนะตะฝัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒกแƒ•แƒ”แƒœแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ arxalanmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ reclinarse

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,895, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.