Regain: meaning, definitions and examples
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regain
[rɪˈɡeɪn ]
Definitions
emotional
To regain means to get something back, especially something that you lost or that was taken away from you. It implies the process of recovering what was once yours.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| regain |
Already covered above in the first entry. |
| recover |
Broadly used to describe the process of getting back something lost, healing from an illness, or returning to a normal state after a problem. Usually implies a process.
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| retrieve |
Focuses on physically getting back an object or information that was misplaced or taken away. Often implies an active search or effort to find it.
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| recoup |
Typically used in financial or business contexts. It means to get back money that was lost or spent, often by gaining an equivalent amount elsewhere.
|
Examples of usage
- I have to regain my confidence after the failure.
- She managed to regain her composure and continue with the presentation.
physical
To regain refers to the action of reaching or getting back to a previous state or position. It often involves returning to a specific condition or level of performance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| regain |
Use when you retrieve something you lost, often related to abstract concepts like health, confidence, or control.
|
| restore |
Used when bringing something back to its original state or condition, often related to tangible objects or systems.
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| reclaim |
Used when taking back something that rightfully belongs to you, often involves a sense of justice or compensation. Can also imply environmental restoration.
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| reacquire |
Used in formal contexts, often related to purchasing or taking back rights, property, or possessions. It implies a deliberate action.
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Examples of usage
- He is working hard to regain his strength after the injury.
- The team needs to regain their focus in order to win the game.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'regainare', where 're-' means again and 'ganare' means to win.
- First recorded use of the term in English appeared in the 14th century, showing how long people have talked about getting things back.
- In the Old French language, 'regagner' also contributed to the development of the meaning we use today.
Psychology
- Regaining lost skills or confidence can be an important part of psychological recovery after trauma.
- Research indicates that it can take time and practice to regain effective learning habits after a long break.
- The concept of 'regaining' can be linked to resilience, where individuals bounce back stronger from setbacks.
Sports
- In many sports, players often strive to regain their former performance levels after injuries.
- Regaining fitness is a common goal for athletes during rehabilitation programs.
- Teams often have strategies to regain their winning streak after losing games, emphasizing mental strength.
Literature
- The theme of regaining lost love is a common motif in many novels, illustrating personal growth and redemption.
- Poets often explore the idea of regaining one's voice or creativity after periods of silence or block.
- Classic tales like Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' delve into the struggles of characters trying to regain lost time.
Translations
Translations of the word "regain" in other languages:
🇵🇹 recuperar
🇮🇳 पुनः प्राप्त करना
🇩🇪 zurückgewinnen
🇮🇩 memperoleh kembali
🇺🇦 відновити
🇵🇱 odzyskać
🇯🇵 取り戻す
🇫🇷 retrouver
🇪🇸 recuperar
🇹🇷 geri kazanmak
🇰🇷 되찾다
🇸🇦 استعادة
🇨🇿 získat zpět
🇸🇰 získať späť
🇨🇳 恢复
🇸🇮 ponovno pridobiti
🇮🇸 endurheimta
🇰🇿 қайта қалпына келтіру
🇬🇪 უკან დაბრუნება
🇦🇿 geri qazanmaq
🇲🇽 recuperar