WordValeconvalescence
the recovery period after illness or treatment
In more detail
1. (noun) the period of time when someone is recovering health and strength after being ill or injured
2. (noun) the process of gradually becoming well again
Examples
- 1. After her surgery, she spent two weeks at home during her convalescence.
- 2. The patient's convalescence was slow but steady.
How to use convalescence
Convalescence refers specifically to the transitional phase after acute illness or injury when someone is recovering but not yet fully well. It is more formal and clinical than 'recovery' and implies a gradual, extended process rather than a sudden improvement. The term is common in medical and literary contexts and carries a somewhat old-fashioned or elevated tone.
Common phrases
- period of convalescence
- during convalescence
- slow convalescence
- convalescence from illness
- convalescence period
- aid one's convalescence
Synonyms
recovery · recuperation · healing · rehabilitation · mending
Opposites
relapse · deterioration
Word family
convalescent (adjective/noun) · convalesce (verb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use convalescence to mean the state of being ill itself, rather than the recovery period that follows illness.
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