recover
UK[rɪˈkʌvə]US[rɪˈkʌvər]
v
to get back something that was lost, stolen, or missing
v
to return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength after an illness, injury, or period of difficulty
v
to regain control of one's emotions or physical state after a shock or surprise
Morpheme Breakdown
re
cover
re
again
cover
to get, to protect
Etymology
the word 'recover' entered middle english from anglo-french 'recoverer,' itself derived from latin 'recuperare,' meaning "to get again." the latin term is a compound of the intensive prefix 're-' and the verb 'capere,' meaning "to take." the modern english spelling was influenced by the unrelated word 'cover,' creating a folk etymology that suggests "to cover again" or "to get back under protection." this blending shaped its contemporary meanings, which center on the concept of regaining something lost or returning to a former, sound condition.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + cover (to get, to protect)
're-' is a Latin prefix meaning "again" or "back." 'cover' originates from the Latin verb 'cooperire,' meaning "to cover completely," which evolved in Old French to 'covrir,' and into English with senses of protection and concealment.
Examples
the police managed to recover the stolen artwork.
it took her several weeks to recover from the flu.
he paused to recover his breath before continuing the climb.