reclaimed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'reclaimed' is correct and commonly used in written English.
'Reclaimed' is typically used as a verb, meaning to retrieve or take back something that was previously lost or stolen, or to repurpose something for a different use. Example: After years of being abandoned, the old warehouse was reclaimed by a group of artists who turned it into a vibrant art space. In this example, 'reclaimed' is used to show that the artists took possession of the warehouse, which was previously unused and neglected. They repurposed it for a new use, as an art space.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the Rapids finally reclaimed the trophy last year, the victory ended six years of Claret-and-Cobalt control.

The Guardian - Sport

This, combined with high tides, set off a devastating flood in the city, much of which is built on low-lying land reclaimed in the 19th century.

The Guardian

In the film, Stefan begins to take the lead of his teacher but is reclaimed by the street.

The Guardian

The bamboo and reclaimed nut-wood walls and thatched roofs of the villas meld into the jungle while the interiors showcase objets d'art from around the world.

The Guardian - Travel

"But this European treaty doesn't work for us and so we are breaking it.' I would like to be remembered as the man who reclaimed our independence and democracy".

The Guardian

Ambition and aspiration are not just Tory words from the Thatcher era and must be reclaimed by the centre-left, the shadow business secretary will say on Tuesday.

The Guardian

When I reclaimed the cost of the service charge on July 1, I was living in the flat.

The Guardian

Sally Mann's photograph of a body looking peaceful in the forest, being reclaimed by nature, brings a strange beauty to the otherwise gruesome idea of the "body farm" as the University of Tennessee's forensic-anthropology unit is known, where she shot the decomposing corpses.

The Guardian - Arts

The big man – just married, which may well get a mention – has been shuffling his feet a bit over his longrunning hosting stint: this is his 10th time in the chair, having reclaimed the gig from Jonathan Ross in 2012.

The Guardian - Film

He reclaimed not only the story of his life, but a sense of artistic purpose, and not incidentally a book title that had been for too long sullied by history's most vile tyrant.

The Guardian - Books

And there is Dai Donovan, Welsh miner, courageous and open-minded, speaking with dignity at the 1984 benefit concert Pits and Perverts (the phrase was the Sun's, reclaimed by LGSM as a badge of honour. This was a wildly successful gig dedicated to raising money – £5,650 – for the miners, and starring Bronski Beat).

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing land or materials, use "reclaimed" to emphasize the positive aspect of reusing or restoring something that was previously unusable or lost. For example, "reclaimed wood" adds a sense of history and sustainability.

Common error

Avoid using "reclaimed" when "recovered" or "retrieved" would be more appropriate. "Reclaimed" often implies a transformation or repurposing, not just a simple return.

Linguistic Context

The word "reclaimed" primarily functions as a past participle or an adjective. It is used to describe something that has been recovered, repurposed, or restored to a usable state. Ludwig AI shows it frequently describing land, materials, or abstract concepts like independence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reclaimed" is a versatile word functioning as a past participle or adjective, signifying the act of recovering, restoring, or repurposing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in contexts such as news, business, and environmental discussions. Common usages include "reclaimed land", "reclaimed materials", and the "reclaimed" of abstract concepts such as independence. When using "reclaimed", consider whether it accurately conveys the sense of transformation or repurposing, as opposed to simple recovery, and be mindful of its neutral register. The word boasts high source quality, ensuring accurate and authoritative usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recovered

Implies getting something back, often after it was lost or stolen; focuses on the act of regaining possession.

regained

Stresses the act of getting something back that was lost, especially a position or quality.

restored

Highlights the process of returning something to its original condition, implying repair and renewal.

recaptured

Implies retaking something, especially after it has been captured or seized by someone else.

repurposed

Emphasizes changing something for a new use, often involving creativity and ingenuity.

retrieved

Focuses on the act of finding and bringing something back, particularly from a remote or difficult location.

rehabilitated

Suggests restoring something to a useful state, often after neglect or damage; particularly applicable to land or buildings.

salvaged

Indicates rescuing something from potential loss or destruction, often implying a degree of damage.

reconstituted

Implies rebuilding or reforming something from its components, often used in a more technical or abstract sense.

won back

Focuses on the effort and achievement involved in regaining something, often after a struggle or competition.

FAQs

How is "reclaimed" used in a sentence?

The word "reclaimed" can be used to describe land that has been recovered from the sea or other bodies of water, materials that have been salvaged for reuse, or even abstract concepts like independence that have been regained. For example, "The city was built on "reclaimed land"" or "They "reclaimed their independence"".

What is the difference between "reclaimed" and "recovered"?

"Reclaimed" often implies that something was not only recovered but also transformed or repurposed, while "recovered" simply means that something was regained. For example, you might say that a stolen item was "recovered", but an abandoned building could be "reclaimed" and turned into a community center.

What are some synonyms for "reclaimed"?

Synonyms for "reclaimed" include "recovered", "restored", "repurposed", and "retrieved". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "reclaimed" most frequently used?

"Reclaimed" is frequently used in the context of environmental conservation, urban development, and historical narratives. You'll often find it used to describe "reclaimed materials" in construction, "reclaimed land" in coastal areas, or the "reclaimed cultural heritage" of a nation.