convalesce

Definitions

con- (intensifier) + valēscere (to grow strong, from valēre) + -esce (begin to) = 'to begin growing strong again.' convalesce keeps valēre's oldest, most physical sense — health and strength. It names not the cure itself but the slow process of strength returning afterward.

Why It Means This

Of the whole val family, convalesce sits closest to the root's medical origin. It's the only common English word that still uses val purely for bodily strength. You don't convalesce in a day — the word carries the idea of a gentle, drawn-out return to full strength, often in a quiet place set aside for it.

Common Collocations

• 1.convalesce at home在家康复
• 2.convalesce from illness病后康复
• 3.convalesce after surgery术后疗养

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She went to the countryside to convalesce after her operation.

• 2.

  He is still convalescing and won't return to work for weeks.