recycling
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /rɪˈsaɪklɪŋ/
KK: /riˈsaɪklɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away, so they can be used again.
Example
Recycling helps reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
Conversation
Hey, have you started doing any recycling lately?
Yeah, I’ve been trying to sort my trash better.
That's great! I think recycling really helps the environment.
Absolutely, every little bit counts!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
reuse
repurposing
upcycling
Antonyms
waste
disposal
neglect
verb
Definition
To process used materials so they can be made into new products, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Example
Many communities have programs for recycling plastic and paper.
Tense Forms
Past: recycled
Past Participle: recycled
Conversation
Have you started recycling more at home?
Yeah, I've been trying to keep my plastic and paper separate.
That's great! It really helps the environment when we focus on recycling.
Root Explanation
Recycling → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "cyclus" (from Latin, meaning circle or cycle). The word "recycling" means processing materials again through a cycle to create new products.
Memory Tip
Think of doing something 'again' ('re-') in a 'cycle' ('cyclus') — that's why recycling means processing materials again.
Visually Confused Words
cycling
reckling
reconciling