Definition

1. Verb:
   • To get back something that was lost or taken away: To recover possession, control, or a condition that one previously had.
   • To reach again; to return to a place: To arrive at or return to a specific location or state.

Usage and Examples

• To recover possession or control:

  • After the accident, it took her months to regain full mobility in her leg.
  • The company hopes to regain its market share with the new product launch.
  • He paused to regain his composure before continuing the speech.

• To return to a place:

  • The hikers finally regained the main trail after being lost for hours.
  • The ship regained the port safely after the storm.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Regain consciousness": To wake up after being unconscious.
  • The patient regained consciousness in the recovery room.
• "Regain one's footing/balance": To recover a stable standing position.
  • She slipped on the ice but quickly regained her balance.
• "Regain the upper hand": To recover a position of advantage or control in a competition or conflict.
  • After a series of losses, the team fought hard to regain the upper hand in the championship.

Variants and Related Words

• Regainable (adj): Capable of being recovered or gotten back.
  • The lost data was fortunately regainable from the backup server.
• Regaining (n): The act or process of recovering something.
  • The regaining of public trust is the mayor's top priority.

Synonyms

• Recover: To get back or retrieve.
• Retrieve: To regain possession of.
• Recoup: To regain or make up for (something lost).
• Reclaim: To retrieve or recover something previously lost, given, or paid.

Antonyms

• Lose: To be deprived of or cease to have.
• Forfeit: To lose or give up as a penalty.

Phrasal Verbs and Common Collocations

• Regain access: To get back the ability to enter or use something.
  • I had to reset my password to regain access to my account.
• Regain strength: To recover physical or mental power.
  • He is resting at home to regain his strength after the illness.
• Regain confidence: To recover self-assurance.
  • Practicing daily helped the musician regain her confidence before the concert.

Verb

1. come upon after searching; find the location of something that was missed or lost
   • Did you find your glasses?
   • I cannot find my gloves!
2. get or find back; recover the use of
   • She regained control of herself
   • She found her voice and replied quickly