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recent past
/ˈriːsənt pæst/
time period just before now
In the recent past, people relied more on newspapers for news.
This refers to a time not long ago, typically within weeks or months.
neutral
A time period immediately preceding the present; the time shortly before now.
The recent past has seen a decline in traditional media consumption.
This means the period just before the current time.
In the recent past, social media platforms were less regulated.
This refers to a time not long ago.
Often used in academic, journalistic, or formal contexts to describe a relatively short time frame before the present.
Collocations
in the recent pastduring a time not long agoover the recent pastduring the time leading up to nowduring the recent pastwithin a short time before now
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy
The phrase 'recent past' is often redundant. In most cases, 'past' alone suffices to imply a time before the present. For example, 'In the past' is often clearer and more concise.
Gold Rule
Use for specific time frames
The phrase is best used when referring to a time period that is not immediately recent but still within living memory or documented history, such as 'the recent past decade'.
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'recent' (from Latin 'recens', meaning 'fresh or new') and 'past' (from Old English 'pæst', past participle of 'passan', meaning 'to go'). The phrase emerged in English usage in the late 19th century to describe time periods closer to the present.
Usage Notes
The phrase is typically used in formal or neutral contexts. It implies a time frame that is closer to the present than 'distant past' but not as immediate as 'just now'. It is often used in academic writing, news reports, or analytical contexts.
Word Breakdown
recent
not long ago; close to the present
adjectivepast
the time before the present
nounEnglish Dictionary