recent
English meaning: Recent
Definition
Having happened a short while ago.
Example
“Recent studies suggest that sleep improves memory.”
Another example: “In recent years the town has grown rapidly.”
Usage — When, Where & How
An adjective meaning happening or made not long ago ('recent developments', 'in recent years'). Common in all registers, especially news and academic writing. Note the comparative 'more recent'; 'recently' is the adverb.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'recens' (fresh, new, young); entered English via French in the 16th century.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- in recent years
- recent developments
- recent past
- recent studies
- most recent
- recent events
Word Forms
recent (adj); more recent; most recent; recently (adv)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B