Definition of Reclaim
Quick Meaning of Reclaim
To take back something that belongs to you or that was taken from you. To claim it as yours again.
Detailed Definition of Reclaim
To take back or retrieve something that was lost, given away, or taken away; to restore or claim ownership of something.
How to Pronounce Reclaim
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: ri-KLAIM. The 'ai' sounds like 'ay' in 'say'.
Watch out: Some learners stress the first syllable (REC-laim) or mispronounce the vowel sound. Say: ruh-KLAIM (not 'rek-lame').
Origin and Etymology of Reclaim
From Old French 'reclamer' (to call back). 'Re-' (back) + 'claimer' (to claim). Entered English in 13th century with legal/property meanings.
How to Use Reclaim in a Sentence
Each example shows “reclaim” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“After years abroad, she reclaimed her former position in the company.”
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“The government reclaimed the land from industrial waste.”
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“He reclaimed his inheritance after his relative passed away.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Reclaim
Common Synonyms for Reclaim
Smart Synonyms for Reclaim — When to Use Each
- recover
- Getting back after loss; less formal than reclaim
- retrieve
- Getting something from storage or location
- assert
- Claiming rights or authority over something
Common Collocations with Reclaim
These phrases pair with “reclaim” in everyday English:
- reclaim land
- reclaim territory
- reclaim inheritance
- reclaim rights
- reclaim ownership
Common Mistakes When Using Reclaim
Even fluent speakers slip up with “reclaim”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She reclaimed her position and she started work immediately.
- ✓ Correct: She reclaimed her position and started work immediately. / After reclaiming her position, she started work immediately.
- Why: Avoid repeating 'she' with 'and'. Use parallel structure or a dependent clause.
- ✗ Wrong: The company reclaimed the waste materials in the ocean.
- ✓ Correct: The company reclaimed the ocean by removing waste materials. / The company recovered waste materials from the ocean.
- Why: 'Reclaim' with land means to make it usable again, not to remove items from it. Use 'recover' for retrieving objects.
- ✗ Wrong: We reclaimed back our money from the refund.
- ✓ Correct: We reclaimed our money. / We received a refund.
- Why: 'Reclaim back' is redundant. 'Reclaim' already means taking back. Don't use 'back' twice.
Other Forms of Reclaim
- Noun: reclamation
- Verb: reclaim
- Adjective: reclaimable
Frequently Asked Questions About Reclaim
What is the meaning of "Reclaim"?
To take back something that belongs to you or that was taken from you. To claim it as yours again.
How do you pronounce "Reclaim"?
The IPA is /rɪˈkleɪm/. Stress the second syllable: ri-KLAIM. The 'ai' sounds like 'ay' in 'say'.
What part of speech is "Reclaim"?
"Reclaim" is a verb at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Reclaim"?
Common synonyms include recover, retrieve, take back.
How do you use "Reclaim" in a sentence?
For example: "After years abroad, she reclaimed her former position in the company."