Words / A2

REESNTL-ee/ˈriːsntli/

If it happened not long ago, it happened recently. It often sits with the present perfect: I have recently moved. Lately is a close synonym. Put it before the main verb or at the end. Ago needs a number: two days ago, not “recently two days.”

Meaning

Not long ago.

Examples

• “I recently started a new class.”
• “Have you seen Ahmed recently?”
• “She recently changed her phone number.”

Good to know

often with present perfect. Close: lately. Length of time + ago, not recently.

Near in meaning

lately

New