Recently Meaning

Recently Definition & Usage
Indicating that something has occurred a short time before the present moment.
Examples
- "I recently visited my hometown after several years."
- "She recently started a new job in the city."
- "We recently moved into a new house."
- "He recently mentioned that he was planning a trip to Europe."
- "The company recently launched a new product."
Describes an event or action that occurred in the past, but not necessarily immediately before the current moment.
Examples
- "They recently discussed a merger at the board meeting."
- "The government recently approved new environmental policies."
- "I recently read a book about quantum physics."
- "The weather has been quite warm recently."
- "I recently heard from an old friend after many years."
Cultural Context
The word 'recently' has been in use for centuries and derives from the Old French word 'recent', which referred to something new or fresh. In modern English, it is most commonly used to describe actions that have happened shortly before the current moment. It is often used to indicate that something is relevant or significant due to its proximity in time.
The Unexpected Reunion
Story
The Unexpected Reunion
It had been a while since Sarah had visited the small coastal town where she grew up. Recently, her job had taken her across the country, and it seemed like the years had slipped away unnoticed. But one chilly autumn evening, she received an unexpected message from her childhood friend, Mark. He was in town for a wedding, and he wanted to catch up. Sarah hadn’t seen him in years. The last time they had spoken, they were both still in college, each with different dreams and ambitions. She smiled as she thought about the old days, and without hesitation, she agreed to meet him. The next morning, Sarah walked down the familiar cobbled streets of her hometown, feeling the nostalgia of the place that once felt so small. She reached the cafe where she and Mark had spent countless hours sipping coffee and discussing their futures. Mark was already there, sitting at a window table. He looked much the same, though his hair had a few more grays now. ‘It’s been so long,’ Sarah said as she sat down, a bit nervously. ‘I can’t believe it’s been so many years since we last saw each other.’ Mark chuckled. ‘I know. I guess time just flies by. I recently moved to a new city, and it’s been an exciting change. But I’ve missed this place, and I’ve missed our talks.’ As they talked, the conversation flowed naturally, and Sarah realized how much she had missed their shared memories. They spoke about their old friends, the town, and the changes that had come about since they left. Sarah even mentioned how recently, she had taken up painting again, something she had abandoned during the busier years. ‘I think I might come back here more often,’ Sarah said with a thoughtful smile. ‘It feels like I’ve forgotten how much I loved it here.’ Mark nodded. ‘I feel the same way. Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about the past and what we left behind. Maybe we need to come back more often.’ They spent the afternoon reminiscing and making plans for future visits. As Sarah left the cafe, she realized that the feeling of ‘recently’ could be more than just a time reference; it was also a reminder that some things—like friendships and memories—were always just a step away, waiting to be rediscovered. And she was glad that she had done just that.

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