having happened or been done only a short time ago, belonging to a past period of time that is not very distant

in recent years, as recently as, recent memory

Formal and Informal Expressions of recent

In different contexts, you can replace 'recent' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'recently, new' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'fresh, up-to-date' is a commonplace synonym.

recent: Explore its Definition & Usage

recent Definition

1having happened or been done only a short time ago
2belonging to a past period of time that is not very distant

Using recent: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "recent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I saw her at a recent party.
Example
The company has made some recent changes to its policies.
Example
Recent studies show that the vaccine is effective.
Example
He has been suffering from recent memory loss.

recent Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for recent

Antonyms for recent

Phrases with recent

in recent years
during the last few years
Example
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people using social media.
as recently as
used to emphasize that something happened not long ago
Example
As recently as last week, he was still considering the job offer.
recent memory
the period of time for which a person can remember things
Example
In recent memory, there has never been such a severe storm in this area.

Origins of recent

from Latin 'recent-', meaning 'fresh, new'

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Summary: recent in Brief

The term 'recent' [ˈriːsnt] refers to events or periods that have occurred not long ago. It can refer to both the immediate past and a more distant past. Examples include 'I saw her at a recent party,' and 'He has been suffering from recent memory loss.' The phrase 'in recent years' denotes a period of time during the last few years.