Word
recently
Phoneticsre·cent·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹisənɫi/
UK/ɹˈiːsəntli/
Adverb of time
Definition
adv. not long ago; in the time just before now.
adv. at a time in the near past; within a short period preceding the present moment.
Examples
“I have recently started a new job.”
“The local library recently updated its collection to include more digital audiobooks for members.”
“While the theory was first proposed decades ago, it has only recently gained widespread acceptance among the scientific community due to new evidence.”
Examples
simple
“I have recently started a new job.”
contextual
“The local library recently updated its collection to include more digital audiobooks for members.”
complex
“While the theory was first proposed decades ago, it has only recently gained widespread acceptance among the scientific community due to new evidence.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “recently” in context.
Usage
Often used with the present perfect tense to describe an action with a result in the present.
Pitfall
I have seen him recently two days ago.
I saw him two days ago.
Do not use 'recently' with a specific time expression like 'two days ago'. Use it for general near-past time frames.
Etymology
From recent + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/recently