Salvage vs. recover: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Salvage often implies saving something from further damage or loss, usually in a physical sense. Recover is broader and can refer to regaining something lost, including health or well-being.
What they have in common
Both words involve the act of retrieving or regaining possession of something.
Examples
salvage
- They were able to salvage some items from the shipwreck.
- Efforts to salvage the old building are underway.
recover
- She hopes to recover quickly from her surgery.
- The police managed to recover the stolen goods.
Which one is more common?
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