re-enter
B2Neutral, used across formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To go into a place or join an activity again after having left it.
To input or record information again; to resume a state, situation, or competition; to regain legal possession.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes physical or metaphorical return. The hyphen is increasingly omitted in modern usage (reenter), though it remains in many style guides, especially in British English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Hyphenation is more consistently maintained in British English. The spelling 'reenter' is more common and accepted in American English.
Connotations
Identical; no significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, particularly in legal contexts (re-enter a plea) and computing (re-enter a password).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] re-enter + [object (place/activity)][subject] re-enter + [object (information)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Re-enter the fray (rejoin a fight or argument).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The company plans to re-enter the Asian market next quarter.'
Academic
'The spacecraft will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere at a controlled angle.'
Everyday
'I had to re-enter the house because I forgot my keys.'
Technical
'The system timed out; you need to re-enter your credentials.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He realised his passport was inside and had to re-enter the flat.
- Please re-enter your PIN for security.
American English
- The team hopes to reenter the playoffs next season.
- You'll need to reenter your login information.
adjective
British English
- The re-enter password field is below.
- A re-enter command was issued.
American English
- Click the reenter button to confirm.
- The software has a reenter data function.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat ran out but then re-entered the house.
- After a short break, the players re-entered the football pitch.
- Former champions are allowed to re-enter the tournament under the new rules.
- The economist argued that it would be foolhardy for the nation to re-enter such a disadvantageous trade agreement.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a door. You ENTER once. You leave. Then you do it RE- (again) -> RE-ENTER.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY (returning to a point on the path). INFORMATION IS AN OBJECT (putting it back into a container/system).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as 'пере-входить' as it is not natural. Use 'снова войти', 'вернуться (в)' or 'вновь поступить'. For data, use 'ввести снова'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'enter again' in formal writing where 're-enter' is preferable. Incorrect hyphenation: 'reenter' (AmE acceptable) vs 're enter' (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 're-enter' used correctly in a technical context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is traditionally recommended, especially in British English, to avoid the awkward double 'e' (reenter). American English increasingly accepts 'reenter'. Always check your style guide.
The direct noun is 're-entry' (or 'reentry'). For example, 'The spacecraft's re-entry was successful.'
Yes, it can be used metaphorically. E.g., 're-enter negotiations', 're-enter a state of calm', 're-enter the public debate'.
A common error is using 'enter again' in formal or technical writing where the single, precise verb 're-enter' is more appropriate and concise.