recently

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/ˈrisəntli/
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At a time close to the present.
Practice using recently in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • I have felt tired recently, so I am sleeping earlier.
  • We recently moved to a smaller apartment.
  • The shop recently changed its opening hours.
  • Until recently, she worked at the hospital.
  • He recently told us about his new job.

Similar words

not long ago
of late
lately

Meanings

Not long ago

adverb
time
neutral
A short time before now, or during a period that began not long ago.

Examples

  • We recently moved to a smaller apartment.
  • Have you read any good books recently?
  • The shop recently changed its opening hours.
  • Until recently, she worked at the hospital.
  • I have felt tired recently, so I am sleeping earlier.
  • He recently told us about his new job.

Similar words

lately
not long ago
of late

Etymology

Formed from recent and the adverb ending -ly. Recent goes back to Latin recens, meaning new or fresh.

FAQ

What does recently mean?

It means a short time before now or during a period that began not long ago.

Can recently go at the start of a sentence?

Yes. For example, “Recently, I changed jobs.”

Is recently the same as lately?

They are often close, especially when describing an ongoing period.

Can recently describe one event?

Yes. “She recently moved” refers to one event near the present.

Does recently name an exact date?

No. It leaves the exact time unstated.

Comments & contributions

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