recent

Pluralrecents

1. 1
   not long agoadjective

   Happening, starting, or becoming what it is only a short time ago.

   Like a photo taken just yesterday, not years ago.

   We talked about the recent storm that knocked down trees.

   Her recent trip to the coast left her feeling happy.

   UsageSay more recent, most recent.

   Similarlatest, new, current

   Oppositeold, past

2. 2
   geologyadjective

   Having happened not too long ago in science terms, but still maybe thousands or millions of years back.

   Like calling last month 'just now' if your whole life lasted a thousand years.

   On the geological timescale, this was a recent eruption, even though it happened long ago.

   The fossils came from a recent layer of rock near the surface.

   Similaryoung

   Oppositeancient, old

   Note
3. 3
   last openednouncountable

   An item you looked at or opened a short time ago, shown in a list.

   Like the last few shows you watched showing up at the top of the menu.

   I couldn't find the photo anywhere, but it was right there in my recents.

   Open your recents to find the photo you looked at this morning.

   UsageUsually recents.

   Note

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