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Recover Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recover

[rɪˈkʌvə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

health

Regain possession or control of something lost or stolen.

Synonyms

recuperate, regain, retrieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recover

Typically used when someone returns to a normal state of health, mind, or strength after illness, injury, or distress.

  • She took a few weeks to recover from the flu.
  • He quickly recovered after the emotional breakdown.
regain

Used when someone gets back something tangible or intangible that was lost, such as strength, health, or possessions.

  • She worked hard to regain her confidence.
  • After the injury, he took months to regain full mobility.
retrieve

Commonly used when physically going to get something back or bringing something back into possession.

  • He had to retrieve the documents from the old office.
  • The dog can retrieve the ball on command.
recuperate

Often used in a medical or physical context, suggesting a period of rest and healing after illness or exertion.

  • She went to the countryside to recuperate after the surgery.
  • He needed some time to recuperate after running the marathon.

Examples of usage

  • I need to recover my stolen phone.
  • She is still trying to recover from the flu.
  • We are working on recovering our relationship after the fight.
Context #2 | Verb

finance

Regain financial losses; make up for.

Synonyms

make up for, recoup, regain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recover

Typically used when someone is returning to a normal state after an illness, injury, or a difficult situation.

  • She needs time to recover from the surgery
  • It took him months to recover from the financial loss
recoup

Often used in financial contexts to mean getting back money that has been spent or lost.

  • They spent millions on the project and are yet to recoup their investment
  • It took years to recoup the losses from the failed business
regain

Used when getting something back, usually intangible things like control, power, or a skill, especially after it has been lost.

  • He worked hard to regain his confidence after the accident
  • She managed to regain her position in the company
make up for

Used when compensating for something negative by providing something positive, often trying to correct a mistake or an oversight.

  • He tried to make up for his rude behavior by being extra nice the next day
  • She worked extra hours to make up for the time she missed

Examples of usage

  • The company needs to recover its losses from the previous quarter.
  • We are hoping to recover the investment in the next few years.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

A software tool that helps in recovering lost or corrupted data.

Synonyms

restoration, retrieval.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recover

To get back something that was lost, or to return to a normal state after illness or difficulty. This word is often used when talking about health or items that were lost.

  • She needs time to recover from her illness
  • He managed to recover his stolen bike
restoration

The process of bringing something back to its original condition. It often involves significant effort and is used for historical buildings, art, or ecological settings.

  • The restoration of the painting took several months
  • Environmental restoration is crucial for preserving biodiversity
retrieval

The act of getting something back, usually through an organized or planned effort. This word is often used in contexts like databases, information systems, or lost items.

  • The data retrieval process took a few hours
  • He set up a retrieval mission to find the lost documents

Examples of usage

  • I used a data recovery tool to retrieve the deleted files.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health & Wellness

  • Recovering from physical injuries often involves rehabilitation, which may include exercises and therapy to regain strength.
  • The mental recovery process can involve therapy and support, demonstrating that healing isn't just physical.
  • Sleep is crucial for recovery; during sleep, the body repairs tissues and strengthens the immune system.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, characters often have recovery arcs, where they overcome challenges to find happiness again.
  • Popular songs about recovery often focus on themes of resilience and personal growth, such as overcoming heartbreak or addiction.
  • Television shows frequently depict characters recovering from dramatic events, showcasing emotional and physical journeys.

Psychology

  • The process of recovery is linked to psychological resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from adversity.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used in recovery from mental health issues, emphasizing thoughts and behaviors.
  • Research shows that social support plays a significant role in the ability to recover from emotional trauma.

Science

  • Physically, recovery can involve different systems in the body, such as the muscular system, which needs time to repair after exercise.
  • In ecology, recovery can refer to ecosystems bouncing back after disturbances, like wildfires or pollution.
  • The concept of recovery is vital in sports science, where athletes must manage their rest and nutrition to enhance performance.

Origin of 'recover'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle French 'recouvrer,' which means 'to regain' or 'to take back.'
  • It’s rooted in the Latin 'recuperare,' which combines 're-' (again) and 'cuperare' (to seize).
  • Originally, the term was more often used in relation to recovering lost property or wealth.

The word 'recover' originated from the Old French word 'recovrer', which meant 'to get back'. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include various contexts such as health, finance, and computing. The concept of recovering has been essential in human endeavors to regain what was lost, whether it be possessions, health, or financial stability.

See also: cover, coverage, coverall, coveralls, covered, covering, coverings, coverlet, covers, covert, uncover, uncoverable, uncovered, uncovering, uncoverings, undercover.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,624, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.