What is the main difference between 'represent' and 're-present'?

'Represent' (no hyphen) means to stand for, symbolize, or act on behalf of. 'Re-present' (with hyphen) means to present something again.

Is the pronunciation of 're-present' different from 'represent'?

Yes. 'Re-present' is pronounced /ˌriːprɪˈzɛnt/ with a noticeable primary stress on the '-sent' and a secondary stress on 're-'. 'Represent' is typically /ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/, with the first syllable sounding like 'rep'.

Can I write 're-present' without the hyphen?

In formal writing, you should use the hyphen to avoid ambiguity. In context, it might be understood, but omitting it is considered a mistake as it changes the word to 'represent'.

In which professional fields is this term most common?

It is most common in law (re-presenting a case/motion), finance/banking (re-presenting a cheque/bill), academia (re-presenting a thesis), and formal governance (re-presenting a petition/bill to a legislative body).

re-present

C1/C2

UK/ˌriːprɪˈzɛnt/US/ˌriprɪˈzɛnt/

Formal (Academic, Legal, Business, Technical)

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Definition

Meaning

To present something again, especially for consideration or approval after initial presentation.

To reintroduce or show again; to formally submit or offer a document, idea, or proposal once more, often after modification, rejection, or a lapse in time.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

This term is distinguished from 'represent' by its hyphen. The meaning is transparently compositional: 're-' (again) + 'present'. It typically implies a formal or official resubmission, not a casual restating. It can also refer to presenting a bill or cheque for payment again.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Both varieties use the hyphenated form for clarity. British English may encounter it slightly more in contexts like re-presenting a cheque. American usage is highly formal and concentrated in legal, parliamentary, and business procedures.

Connotations

Formality, procedure, persistence. In financial contexts (cheques/bills), it can imply correcting a previous issue (e.g., insufficient funds).

Frequency

Low frequency in both varieties. More likely found in formal writing than speech.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

to re-present a billto re-present a caseto re-present the petitionto re-present a cheque

medium

to re-present the proposalto re-present the findingsto re-present the evidenceto re-present the arguments

weak

to re-present the ideato re-present the datato re-present the offerto re-present the application

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[subject] re-presents [object] ([to recipient])[subject] re-presents [object] for [purpose]

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

reintroducere-submit

Neutral

resubmitpresent againput forward again

Weak

reproposereofferrenew

Vocabulary

Antonyms

withdrawrescindretract

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“[None directly associated]”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

We will re-present the revised business plan to the board next month.

Academic

The researcher was asked to re-present her thesis proposal with more robust methodology.

Everyday

The bank will automatically re-present the direct debit if it fails the first time.

Technical

The solicitor will re-present the petition to the court once the clerical error is corrected.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

The payee may re-present the cheque after seven days.
The MP plans to re-present the amendment to the House.

American English

Counsel will re-present the motion to the judge.
The vendor can re-present the invoice if payment is delayed.

adverb

British English

[No common adverbial use]

American English

[No common adverbial use]

adjective

British English

[No common adjectival use]

American English

[No common adjectival use]

Examples

By CEFR Level

[Too rare for A2. Use simpler phrase 'show again' or 'give again'.]

The committee asked him to re-present his project with more details.

After the initial rejection, our legal team advised us to re-present the application with stronger supporting documents.

The treaty, having lapsed, must be re-presented to parliament for ratification under the new political climate.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a hyphen as a small stage. RE + (stage) + PRESENT = to bring something back onto the stage for a second performance or presentation.

Conceptual Metaphor

FORMAL COMMUNICATION IS A PROCEDURE (re-presenting is restarting/retrying a procedural step).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Не путать с 'represent' (представлять, изображать). Здесь значение 'снова представить/подать'. Контекст обычно формальный, юридический или финансовый.
В русском может переводиться глаголами 'перепредставить', 'повторно представить', 'подать заново'.

Common Mistakes

Omitting the hyphen, causing confusion with 'represent' (e.g., 'He will represent the case' vs. 'He will re-present the case').
Using it in informal contexts where 'say again' or 'show again' would be more natural.
Incorrect stress: placing primary stress on the first syllable ('RE-present') instead of the third ('re-pre-SENT').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After the cheque bounced, the bank will it in three working days.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 're-present' most appropriately used?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: 'Represent' (no hyphen) means to stand for, symbolize, or act on behalf of. 'Re-present' (with hyphen) means to present something again.
: Yes. 'Re-present' is pronounced /ˌriːprɪˈzɛnt/ with a noticeable primary stress on the '-sent' and a secondary stress on 're-'. 'Represent' is typically /ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/, with the first syllable sounding like 'rep'.
: In formal writing, you should use the hyphen to avoid ambiguity. In context, it might be understood, but omitting it is considered a mistake as it changes the word to 'represent'.
: It is most common in law (re-presenting a case/motion), finance/banking (re-presenting a cheque/bill), academia (re-presenting a thesis), and formal governance (re-presenting a petition/bill to a legislative body).