reconvey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/Legal term)Formal, Technical, Legal
Quick answer
What does “reconvey” mean?
To convey or transfer back to a previous owner or state.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To convey or transfer back to a previous owner or state.
1. In law: to transfer property back to its original owner or grantor. 2. In telecommunications: to transmit data back to its source after processing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is predominantly used in legal contexts in both jurisdictions.
Connotations
Neutral, formal, precise legal action.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US general English, but slightly more likely in US property law due to different systems of title transfer.
Grammar
How to Use “reconvey” in a Sentence
[Agent] reconveys [Property] to [Recipient/Beneficiary]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reconvey” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Upon fulfilling the loan, the lender is obligated to reconvey the title to the borrower.
- The deed of trust stipulated they would reconvey the property upon settlement.
American English
- The title company will reconvey the deed once the mortgage is paid off.
- They had to reconvey the easement rights to the original landowner.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In business law, particularly in mergers or partnership dissolutions, parties may reconvey assets.
Academic
Rare; found in legal history or property law texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in legal documentation and, rarely, in telecom engineering for describing signal or data loops.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reconvey”
- Using it in non-legal contexts where 'return' or 'send back' is appropriate.
- Misspelling as 're-convey' (the standard form is solid).
- Confusing with 'reconvert' (to change back to a previous form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term used almost exclusively in legal contexts, particularly property law.
The noun form is 'reconveyance' (e.g., 'the reconveyance of the title').
Typically not. It refers to the legal transfer of rights, title, or property. For physical objects, 'return' or 'send back' is used.
'Reconvey' implies a deliberate act of transferring back. 'Revert' can happen automatically by operation of law (e.g., when a lease ends, property reverts to the freeholder).
To convey or transfer back to a previous owner or state.
Reconvey is usually formal, technical, legal in register.
Reconvey: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːkənˈveɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrikənˈveɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a moving van (CONVEY) taking your furniture to a new house, then turning around (RE-) and bringing it all back to your old house.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEGAL TRANSFER IS PHYSICAL TRANSPORT (with a return journey).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'reconvey' most accurately used?