reappoint
B2-C1Formal, official, administrative.
Definition
Meaning
To appoint someone to a position or role for a further period.
The act of formally naming or assigning a person to the same post after their initial term has ended. This can apply to official positions (e.g., board members, committee chairs, public officials) and sometimes to less formal roles.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a previous appointment. Not typically used for hiring someone new. Often involves a vote, decision, or official announcement. The word focuses on the renewal of status rather than a change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use the term in official, governmental, and corporate contexts.
Connotations
Neutral/formal. Suggests procedural regularity and institutional continuity.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written formal registers (government documents, corporate minutes) than in everyday speech, equally so in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] reappointed [Object] (to/as [Position])[Subject] was reappointed (to/as [Position])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Given a new lease of (official) life”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The shareholders voted to reappoint the entire board for another year.
Academic
The university council must decide whether to reappoint the department head.
Everyday
They asked me to reappoint as the club treasurer.
Technical
The regulatory body has the power to reappoint the independent auditor.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The panel agreed to reappoint her as director-general.
- He was reappointed to the bench for a five-year term.
American English
- The board voted unanimously to reappoint the CEO.
- She was reappointed as chair of the finance committee.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher was reappointed for another school year.
- My boss asked if I wanted to be reappointed to the team.
- After a successful first term, the committee decided to reappoint her.
- The president has the authority to reappoint the ambassador.
- Despite some controversy, the incumbent was narrowly reappointed to the regulatory commission.
- The motion to reappoint the external auditors passed with a comfortable majority.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE-APPOINT: Think of RE-doing an APPOINTment. It's appointing someone AGAIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTINUITY IS RE-ENGAGEMENT (The act of reappointing maintains the flow of responsibility).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as 'переназначать' in all contexts; 'переизбирать' (re-elect) is often more accurate for voted positions. 'Вновь назначать' captures the 'again' aspect.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'rehire' instead of 'reappoint' for formal, official positions. 'Rehire' is more general employment.
- Incorrect preposition: 'reappoint *for* the committee' (should be 'reappoint *to* the committee' or 'reappoint *as* chair').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST context for using 'reappoint'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while common for boards, officials, and chairs, it can be used for any role where someone is formally named or assigned, including club roles or project leads, though it retains a formal tone.
Reappointment. E.g., 'Her reappointment was confirmed yesterday.'
No, that would be a logical error. 'Reappoint' explicitly requires a prior appointment.
'Rehire' is a broad term for employing someone again, often after a break. 'Reappoint' is more specific to formal, often official or titled positions and implies a continuation of status, not just employment.