English vocabulary · B2
Recuperate
/rɪˈkuː.pə.reɪt/ · v.
It means to get better after being sick, tired, or hurt — to slowly return to full strength.
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Example sentences
- It took her a month to recuperate after the surgery.
- He stayed home to recuperate from the long trip.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- re — again (from Latin)
- cup — take back (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- RECOVER — return to normal state (General & broad)
- HEAL — repair and become healthy (Physical & bodily)
- REST — stop to regain energy (Passive & simple)
Similar words
- recover
- heal
- mend
Lesson notes
Recuperate. It means to get better after being sick, tired, or hurt — to slowly return to full strength.
Similar words are recover, heal, and rest. Use recuperate when the body needs time to fully get its strength back.
It took her a month to recuperate after the surgery. He stayed home to recuperate from the long trip.
From Latin. re- means again. cup- means take back. To take back strength again — that is recuperate.