recourse - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
recourse Word Meanings
- a source of help in a difficult situation
- the act of turning to someone for assistance
- legal right to demand compensation
recourse Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
recourse Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈriːkɔːs/
US
/ˈrikɔrs/
recourse Word Etymology
The word 'recourse' is derived from the Latin 'recursare' (to run back), from 're-' (back) + 'cursus' (course). It evolved through Old French before making its way to English. Imagine a person turning back to a trusted friend in times of trouble, depicting a safe place to return for support.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Recourse is a noun that points to a source of help when you are facing a problem, or to the act of turning to someone for assistance. It can refer to a friend or a professional you can rely on, or to a formal remedy in law or contract. People often say they have recourse to the courts or to legal counsel when a dispute cannot be resolved informally. In everyday life, recourse suggests a safe exit or a last option you can pursue to obtain a fair outcome. It is common in discussions of rights, remedies, and compensation, and you may encounter 'recourse to' or 'have recourse to' in both spoken and written English.
Usage Reminders
- Have recourse to someone; take recourse to legal action; use with to; a recourse vs recourses; common collocations include 'recourse to' and 'no recoursing', understand the tone; beware of confusing with resource.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing recourse with resource (spelled similarly but different meaning)
- Thinking it always means financial compensation (not only monetary)
- Believing it cannot be plural (recourses is rare but possible)
- Assuming it refers only to legal action (can mean seeking help from people)
- Using 'recourse' without a preposition (need 'to' in most common phrases)
Thinking Differences
Recourse in English tends to emphasize formal remedies or turning to a specific party for help, often in a legal or contractual frame. Learners may overgeneralize it to mean just finding any solution, or confuse it with resource, which signals 'something available' rather than a course of action.
Learning Tips
- Learn the core collocations: recourse to, have recourse to, recourse against.
- Pair with verbs like seek, exercise, or pursue.
- Distinguish recourse from resource by focusing on action and rights.
- Practice both everyday and legal contexts.
- Notice prepositions: 'to' almost always follows recourse in common phrases.
- Create contrast sentences with and without recourse to reinforce nuance.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'recourse' mean?
A.A means of seeking help or a remedy
B.A method of securing a resource
C.A type of course or class
D.A financial term related to debt
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'recourse' correctly?
A.The recourse of vegetables is essential to a balanced diet.
B.He used every recourse to achieve his goal, including bribery.
C.She had no recourse but to accept the job offer.
D.Finding recourse in a dictionary is essential for writers.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'recourse'?
A.Obstruction
B.Aid
C.Confusion
D.Isolation
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'recourse'?
A.Opportunity
B.Absence of options
C.Advantage
D.Assistance
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might need support to resolve an issue?
A.The manager decided to change the project deadline without discussing it.
B.A student looks for extra help when studying for an exam.
C.A person navigates their career path without seeking advice from others.
D.An athlete seeks feedback from a coach after a competition.
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