recuperate

American  

[ri-koo-puh-reyt, -kyoo-] / rɪˈku pəˌreɪt, -ˈkyu- /

verb (used without object)

recuperated, recuperating

1. to recover from sickness or exhaustion; regain health or strength.

   Synonyms:

   mend, heal

2. to recover from financial loss.

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verb (used with object)

recuperated, recuperating

1. to restore to health, vigor, etc.

recuperate British  

/ rɪˈkuːpəˌreɪt, -ˈkjuː- /

verb

1. (intr) to recover from illness or exhaustion

2. to recover (losses of money, etc)

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Other Word Forms

• recuperation
  noun
• recuperative
  adjective
• unrecuperated
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of recuperate

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin recuperātus (past participle of recuperāre, variant of reciperāre “to recover”), equivalent to re- re- + -ciper-, combining form of unattested caper- (obscure derivative of capere “to take”) + -ātus -ate ¹

Explanation

To recuperate is to get something back that you have lost — could be good health, or money lost in a bad investment. When you recuperate, you heal and recover. Recuperate comes from the Latin word recuperare “to take back,” so when you recuperate you gain something back that was yours before — health or money. Recuperate is usually something people do after an illness. If you break your knee playing rugby in college, you might go home to recuperate. If you don't want to sound fancy, just say you're recovering. It also means to get money back, so you can also try to recuperate your losses by staying in the poker game.

Example Sentences

Recuperate at Bota Bota, a spa built from a converted party boat permanently attached to land in the Old Port.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2018

Related Words

• bounce back
• convalesce
• get well
• heal
• mend
• recover