What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retrieved
Example
I retrieved my lost keys from the lost and found. [retrieved: verb]
Example
The software retrieved the necessary data from the server. [retrieved: past tense]
recovered
Example
She recovered her stolen purse from the thief. [recovered: verb]
Example
After a few days of rest, he recovered from his cold. [recovered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recovered is more commonly used than retrieved in everyday language. Recovered is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retrieved is less common and refers to specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retrieved and recovered?
Retrieved is more formal than recovered. While recovered can be used in both formal and informal contexts, retrieved is typically associated with a more formal tone.
