A2 adjective Neutral #480 most common

recent

/ˈriː.sənt/

Describes something that happened, began, or existed a short time ago. It is used to talk about events or things that are fresh and close to the present moment.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I watched a recent interview with my favorite actor on YouTube.

I watched a newly released interview with my favorite actor on YouTube.

2

The government has implemented several recent changes to the tax law.

The government has put into place several new changes to the tax law.

3

Have you seen any recent photos of her kids?

Have you seen any new or current photos of her kids?

Word Family

Noun
recency
Adverb
recently
Adjective
recent
Related
recentness
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'Recent' folder on your computer or phone; it shows you the files you just finished working on.

Quick Quiz

The ______ floods have caused a lot of damage to the city.

Correct!

The correct answer is: recent

Examples

1

I watched a recent interview with my favorite actor on YouTube.

everyday

I watched a newly released interview with my favorite actor on YouTube.

2

The government has implemented several recent changes to the tax law.

formal

The government has put into place several new changes to the tax law.

3

Have you seen any recent photos of her kids?

informal

Have you seen any new or current photos of her kids?

4

Recent research indicates a strong link between diet and mental health.

academic

Current research shows a strong connection between diet and mental health.

5

Please refer to the most recent version of the contract for the final terms.

business

Please look at the latest version of the contract for the final terms.

Word Family

Noun
recency
Adverb
recently
Adjective
recent
Related
recentness

Common Collocations

recent events things that happened lately
recent years the last few years
recent history the history of the very near past
recent news information that was just released
recent developments new changes or progress in a situation

Common Phrases

in recent years

during the last few years

until recently

up to a short time ago

most recent

the very last or newest one

Often Confused With

recent vs last

'Last' refers to the final item in a series or the one immediately before now, while 'recent' refers to anything in the near past.

recent vs late

'Late' means behind schedule or deceased, whereas 'recent' means having happened a short time ago.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'recent' is almost always used as an adjective before a noun. To describe an action that happened a short time ago, use the adverb 'recently' instead.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'I saw him recent' instead of the correct adverbial form 'I saw him recently'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'Recent' folder on your computer or phone; it shows you the files you just finished working on.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'recens', which means fresh, young, or new.

Grammar Patterns

Usually placed before a noun (attributive use). Does not usually take 'more' or 'most' unless comparing degrees of closeness to the present.

Quick Quiz

The ______ floods have caused a lot of damage to the city.

Correct!

The correct answer is: recent

Related Words

complement

A2

A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.

compound

A2

Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.

conceive

A2

To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.

confer

A2

To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.

conform

A2

To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.

consecutive

A2

Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).

consistency

A2

Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.

disclude

B1

Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.

antiformous

B1

Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.

interspect

B1

Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.

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