re-cover
LowFormal / Technical
Definition
Meaning
To put a new cover or covering onto something.
To replace or repair the outer layer, upholstery, or protective surface of an object.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always hyphenated to distinguish from 'recover' (to regain or recuperate). Primarily refers to the physical act of reupholstering or renewing a surface.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and usage are largely identical, though the term may appear slightly more frequently in British contexts related to furniture refurbishment.
Connotations
Technical or trade-related; suggests a skilled or professional task.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects, used in specific contexts (upholstery, bookbinding, roofing).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] re-covers [object] (with [material])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Re-cover your tracks (rare, metaphorical use)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in furniture restoration or roofing business proposals.
Academic
Rare; may appear in texts on design history or conservation.
Everyday
Used when discussing DIY projects or furniture refurbishment.
Technical
Common in upholstery, bookbinding, and roofing trades.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to re-cover the dining chairs in a more durable fabric.
- The car seats were re-covered in classic tartan wool.
American English
- We're going to re-cover the old sofa with a bright new microfiber.
- The company will re-cover our damaged roof with new shingles.
adverb
British English
- The cushions were professionally and tastefully re-covered.
American English
- The headliner was expertly and quickly re-covered.
adjective
British English
- The re-covered armchair looked brand new.
- A beautifully re-covered vintage Chesterfield.
American English
- The re-covered boat seats were more comfortable.
- He sells re-covered barstools online.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My mum will re-cover this pillow.
- It's expensive to re-cover a large sofa.
- After the flood, we had to re-cover all the damp armchairs to prevent mould.
- The conservators meticulously re-covered the antique tome in calfskin, matching the original tooling.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think RE-COVER: to COVER something again (RE). The hyphen is the 'new layer' you put over the word 'cover'.
Conceptual Metaphor
RENEWAL AS A NEW SKIN (applying a new outer layer to restore function/appearance).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'recover' (выздоравливать, восстанавливаться). The hyphen is crucial for meaning.
- Translates as 'перетянуть' (for furniture), 'перекрыть' (for a roof), implying a specific material replacement.
Common Mistakes
- Omitting the hyphen, leading to confusion with 'recover'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'repair' in non-covering contexts.
Practice
Quiz
What does 're-cover' specifically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Re-cover' (with a hyphen) means to put a new cover on something (e.g., a sofa). 'Recover' (no hyphen) means to regain something lost or to return to health.
No, the hyphen is crucial for clarity. Omitting it changes the word to 'recover', which has a completely different meaning.
It is commonly used by upholsterers, bookbinders, roofers, and interior decorators.
It is almost exclusively used for physical objects. Metaphorical use (e.g., 're-cover one's tracks') is extremely rare and often considered non-standard.