recently

word · lemma: recent

/ˈɹisənɫi/
REE-suhn-lee
/ɹˈiːsəntli/
REE-suhnt-lee

Definition

At a time not long ago; in the near past. It is used to talk about something that happened or changed a short time before now.

Usage & Nuances

Common in everyday and formal English. Often used with present perfect ('I’ve recently started') and past simple when the time is understood. 'Lately' is similar but often suggests an ongoing pattern, while 'recently' more often points to a specific change or event.

Example Sentences

I’ve been really busy recently, so sorry if I’ve been hard to reach.

natural

Nothing big changed overnight — the problems started recently and kept growing.

natural

I moved here recently.

basic

She recently got a new job.

basic

Have you seen Tom recently?

basic

We only recently found out that the store was closing.

natural