English vocabulary · C1
Recourse
/ˈriːkɔːrs/ · n.
Recourse means a person, plan, or action you can turn to for help. It is often the last help you have.
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Example sentences
- She had no recourse but to call.
- The team found a legal recourse.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- re — back (from Latin)
- cours — run (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- HELP — a person helps you (Someone Helps)
- OPTION — one way you can choose (A Choice)
- BACKUP — help when other plans fail (Last Plan)
Words with the same root
cours — run
- current — moving now
- recur — happen again
Lesson notes
Recourse means a person, plan, or action you can turn to for help. It is often the last help you have.
Related: help, option, backup. Use recourse when you turn to a person or plan for help.
She had no recourse but to call. The team found a legal recourse.
From Latin. Re means back. Cours means run. Recourse is help you run back to.