reassemble
C1Neutral to formal; common in technical, mechanical, instructional, and narrative contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To put something back together after it has been taken apart or disassembled; to gather or come together again.
Used figuratively to describe the process of gathering one's thoughts, recovering composure, or reconstructing something abstract (e.g., a narrative, a life).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a previous state of assembly that was disrupted. Often used with tangible objects but readily extended to groups of people or abstract concepts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slight preference in UK English for 'reassemble' when referring to people gathering (e.g., 'The committee will reassemble after lunch'), whereas US might use 'reconvene' more frequently in formal settings.
Connotations
Neutral in both. In technical contexts, it is purely functional.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in general corpora; higher in technical/manual writing. Comparable frequency across varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] reassembled [NP] (transitive)[NP] reassembled (intransitive)[NP] reassembled [NP] [PrepP] (e.g., reassembled the parts into a whole)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Reassemble the jigsaw”
- “Reassemble one's life”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board will reassemble next quarter to review the strategy.
Academic
The scholar attempted to reassemble the fragments of the ancient text.
Everyday
After cleaning the filter, make sure you reassemble it properly.
Technical
The protocol requires the data packets to be reassembled at the destination node.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The parliament is scheduled to reassemble in autumn.
- He carefully reassembled the vintage clock.
American English
- The team will reassemble after the holiday break.
- Can you reassemble this bookshelf from the flat-pack?
adverb
British English
- The unit was reassembled incorrectly.
- The group met reassembled in the hall.
American English
- The device was hastily reassembled.
- They stood reassembled and ready for instructions.
adjective
British English
- The reassembled chassis passed inspection.
- A reassembled version of the manuscript was published.
American English
- The reassembled engine ran smoothly.
- She showed us the reassembled puzzle.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please reassemble the toy.
- The family reassembled for dinner.
- After the meeting, we will reassemble in one hour.
- It took him an hour to reassemble the bicycle.
- The council reassembled to discuss the urgent proposal.
- The technician struggled to reassemble the complex mechanism.
- The company sought to reassemble its core management team after the merger.
- From the archaeological fragments, we can attempt to reassemble their daily rituals.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'RE-' (again) + 'ASSEMBLE' (put together). You assemble something, then you RE-assemble it.
Conceptual Metaphor
RECONSTRUCTION IS REASSEMBLY (e.g., reassembling a career, a relationship).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'reassure' (успокаивать). 'Reassemble' is сборть снова/заново.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'reassemble' for meeting someone for the first time (incorrect).
- Confusing spelling: 'reassamble' (wrong).
- Using it without the prior disassembly context.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'reassemble' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for groups of people (The class reassembled) and abstract things (reassemble the facts).
'Assemble' can be a first-time putting together. 'Reassemble' always implies it was together before, was taken apart, and is now being put together again.
Yes. E.g., 'The conference will reassemble at 2 PM.' (no direct object).
It is neutral. It is perfectly standard in everyday instructions (reassemble the appliance) and in formal reports (the tribunal reassembled).