RECENTLY (5 letters) The term 'PRETTY RECENT' can be broken down into two words, 'NEWISH' (6 letters) and 'RECENTLY' (5 letters). The word 'NEWISH' is an adjective that means 'somewhat new' or 'relatively recent'. The word 'RECENTLY' is an adverb that means 'in the recent past'. Together, the two words form the phrase 'pretty recent', which is used to describe something that has happened or been done in the recent past.