Langimage
English

reclaim

|re/claim|

B2

/rɪˈkleɪm/

recover or cultivate

Etymology
Etymology Information

'reclaim' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'reclamer,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'clamer' meant 'to call.'

Historical Evolution

'reclamer' transformed into the Middle English word 'reclamen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'reclaim.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to call back or summon,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'recover' and 'cultivate.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to retrieve or recover something previously lost, given, or paid.

She managed to reclaim her lost wallet from the lost and found.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to bring land into a condition suitable for cultivation or habitation.

The government plans to reclaim the marshland for agricultural use.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35