redouble
C1Formal, technical (in specific contexts like bridge)
Definition
Meaning
To make something twice as great or intense; to increase or multiply significantly.
1. In bridge/card games: to double a bid already doubled by an opponent. 2. To echo or reverberate (archaic/poetic).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly implies intensification of effort or degree, often in response to a challenge. Not simply 'to repeat' but 'to multiply in force or intensity'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The bridge/games sense is standard in both. No significant regional differences in core meaning.
Connotations
Slightly formal in both varieties; conveys determined, forceful escalation.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech, slightly higher in formal writing, news, and specific domains (gaming, military, business strategy).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] redoubled [its/their] efforts.[NP] redoubled [NP] (e.g., redoubled their attack).to redouble in intensity.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “redouble one's efforts”
- “with redoubled force”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company must redouble its marketing efforts to gain market share.
Academic
The research team redoubled their scrutiny of the data after the anomaly was detected.
Everyday
I'll have to redouble my efforts to finish the project on time.
Technical
South redoubled West's two-spade bid.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We must redouble our vigilance following the security breach.
- Faced with criticism, the minister redoubled her commitment to reform.
- He redoubled to four hearts.
American English
- The team needs to redouble its focus in the final quarter.
- The storm redoubled in intensity as it approached the coast.
- I redouble your three-club bid.
adjective
British English
- With redoubled enthusiasm, she tackled the next challenge.
- The news was met with redoubled suspicion.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher told us to redouble our efforts before the final exam.
- After the initial setback, the company redoubled its investment in research and development.
- The general ordered his troops to redouble their attack at dawn.
- The activist's resolve was redoubled by the public's overwhelming support.
- Critics redoubled their calls for his resignation following the latest scandal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 're-' (again) + 'double' (make twice). It means to 'double again' or make something doubly strong.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFORT/INTENSITY IS A MULTIPLIABLE QUANTITY (can be doubled). CHALLENGE IS A SIGNAL TO INCREASE FORCE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'повторять' (to repeat).
- Closer to 'усилить вдвое', 'умножить усилия'.
- The bridge term is a direct loan: 'редибл'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean simply 'repeat' (e.g., 'He redoubled his mistake').
- Confusing spelling with 'redoubtable' (formidable).
Practice
Quiz
In the game of bridge, what does it mean to 'redouble'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Double' means to make twice as much. 'Redouble' implies making an already increased amount twice as great again, or more generally, to intensify something greatly, especially efforts.
It is somewhat formal. In casual speech, 'double down on', 'step up', or simply 'try even harder' are more common. 'Redouble' is perfectly correct but adds a tone of determination.
Yes, the past participle 'redoubled' is frequently used as an adjective (e.g., 'with redoubled effort', 'redoubled vigour').
The most common error is using it to mean 'repeat' (e.g., 'He redoubled the same argument'). Its core is about increasing intensity or degree, not mere repetition.
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