Recuperate: meaning, definitions and examples

💪

Add to dictionary

recuperate

[rɪˈkuːpəreɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

after an illness or injury

To recover from an illness or injury, to regain strength or health.

Synonyms

bounce back, heal, recover, regain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
recuperate	Typically used in formal or medical contexts to describe the process of regaining health or strength after illness or injury. After the surgery, she needed a few weeks to recuperate
recover	Commonly used to describe the process of returning to normal functioning or health after an illness, injury, or difficult situation. She has finally recovered from the flu
heal	Generally used when referring to the process of becoming healthy or whole again, both physically and emotionally. It took months for his broken leg to heal
regain	Used when someone takes back or reclaims something that was lost, often in terms of health, strength, or composure. He worked hard to regain his strength after the accident
bounce back	Informal term often used when someone quickly returns to their previous level of health or happiness after facing difficulties or illness. Even after losing his job, he managed to bounce back quickly

Examples of usage

He spent several weeks in the hospital, but he is now starting to recuperate at home.
After the surgery, she needed time to rest and recuperate before returning to work.
The doctor advised him to take it easy and allow his body to naturally recuperate.
The athlete is working hard to recuperate in time for the upcoming competition.
Rest is essential to allow the body to properly recuperate after a strenuous workout.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

financially

To recover financially, to regain losses or make up for a decline.

Synonyms

compensate, make up for, recover, regain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
recuperate	Used primarily when talking about recovering health or strength after illness or exertion. After the surgery, the doctor advised her to take time off work to recuperate He went to the countryside to recuperate from the stress of city life
recover	Can be used generally for regaining health, possession, or a state that was lost. She hopes to recover her lost files After the accident, he took a month to fully recover
regain	Used when talking about getting back something that was lost, especially qualities, possessions, or positions. He worked hard to regain his confidence After going on a diet, she managed to regain her previous fitness level
make up for	An idiomatic expression used to indicate making amends or counterbalancing a disadvantage or error. He worked extra hours to make up for his previous mistakes The stunning view from the hotel room makes up for its small size
compensate	Used when discussing making amends or providing something (usually money) in return for a loss, suffering, or injury. The company agreed to compensate the workers for their overtime She was compensated for the damage done to her property

Examples of usage

The company is hoping to recuperate its losses from last quarter by implementing cost-cutting measures.
It will take time for the economy to recuperate from the impact of the recession.
She invested wisely and was able to recuperate her financial losses within a year.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin 'recuperare', meaning 'to recover' or 'to get back'.
It is formed from 're-' meaning 'again' and 'cuperare', which means 'to capture'.
In the 14th century, it started being used in English to describe healing or recovery.

Health

Rest is essential for the body to recover, allowing time for repair on a cellular level.
Nutrition plays a critical role in the recuperation process, helping the body to rebuild its strength.
Mental recuperation is just as important as physical; stress management is key to balancing health.

Psychology

Recovering from stress can involve psychological techniques like mindfulness and meditation.
Positive social interactions during recovery have been shown to enhance overall well-being and healing.

Literature

The theme of recuperation often appears in literature, symbolizing personal growth after adversity.
Many characters in classic stories, like 'The Old Man and the Sea', illustrate the journey of recuperation after hardships.
Poets have often described the season of spring as a time of recuperation and renewal.

Popular Culture

Movies often depict characters recuperating after a disaster, highlighting their resilience and strength.
The idea of a 'recovery montage' is a common trope in films, showcasing an individual's improvement over time.
Fitness and wellness influencers frequently discuss the importance of recuperation as a part of health regimens.

Translations

Translations of the word "recuperate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recuperar

🇮🇳 स्वस्थ होना

🇩🇪 erholen

🇮🇩 memulihkan

🇺🇦 одужувати

🇵🇱 odzyskać

🇯🇵 回復する

🇫🇷 récupérer

🇪🇸 recuperar

🇹🇷 iyileşmek

🇰🇷 회복하다

🇸🇦 يتعافى

🇨🇿 uzdravit se

🇸🇰 uzdraviť sa

🇨🇳 恢复

🇸🇮 okrevati

🇮🇸 ná að heilsu

🇰🇿 сауығу

🇬🇪 გამოჯანმრთელება

🇦🇿 sağalmaq

🇲🇽 recuperar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,918, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
25915 liberalizing
25916 peeking
25917 howitzer
25918 recuperate
25919 cameo
25920 homeopathic
25921 negating
...