re-sign
C1Formal, professional, legal, journalistic.
Definition
Meaning
To sign a document, especially a contract, for a second or further time, thereby renewing its terms.
To formally agree again to a set of terms, conditions, or a commitment, often in a professional or legal context. It implies a continuation of a previous arrangement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is a homograph with 'resign' (to quit), distinguished in speech by the hyphen and a clear syllable break /ˌriːˈsaɪn/ vs. /rɪˈzaɪn/. The prefix 're-' here means 'again'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning is identical. Spelling differences may appear in context (e.g., honour/honor).
Connotations
None. It is a neutral procedural term in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in both, used almost exclusively in professional contexts (sports, business, law). Slightly higher in UK tabloids due to football transfer news.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] re-signed [Object (Contract/Person)][Subject] re-signed with [Organization][Subject] re-signed for [Duration/Terms]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Put pen to paper again”
- “Commit for another stint”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The CEO re-signed the partnership agreement for another five years.
Academic
The researcher was asked to re-sign the ethics compliance form.
Everyday
I had to re-sign the delivery slip because I made a mistake the first time.
Technical
The software licence requires the user to re-sign the terms after each major update.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The striker is expected to re-sign for Chelsea next week.
- We must re-sign the lease by the end of the month.
American English
- The quarterback decided to re-sign with the team for two more seasons.
- The company asked her to re-sign the amended contract.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The player wants to re-sign with his old team.
- Please re-sign the form on page two.
- After successful negotiations, the manager agreed to re-sign for another three-year term.
- The tenant was happy to re-sign the lease, as the rent hadn't increased.
- The veteran actor re-signed with the studio, securing a lucrative deal that includes a percentage of the profits.
- Failure to re-sign the international treaty would have significant diplomatic repercussions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-do your SIGNature. You SIGN, then you RE-SIGN.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTINUITY IS A REPEATED SIGNATURE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'уйти в отставку' (to resign).
- Прямой перевод 'переподписать' не является стандартным; лучше 'подписать снова' или 'продлить контракт'.
Common Mistakes
- Writing it as 'resign' (meaning to quit) without the hyphen.
- Incorrect pronunciation, using /rɪˈzaɪn/ (to quit) instead of /ˌriːˈsaɪn/.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 're-sign'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Resign' (no hyphen) means to voluntarily leave a job or position. 'Re-sign' (with a hyphen) means to sign a document again, typically to renew a contract.
In careful writing, yes, especially in contexts where confusion with 'resign' (to quit) is possible. In unambiguous contexts (e.g., sports news), it is sometimes omitted.
It is most commonly used for formal, binding documents like contracts, leases, and treaties. It sounds overly formal for trivial items like a birthday card.
Pronounce it as 'ree-SINE', with a clear long 'ee' sound in the first syllable and the stress on the second syllable (/ˌriːˈsaɪn/). This distinguishes it from 'resign' (ri-ZINE).