reread: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal. Common in academic, professional, and literary contexts. Less frequent in casual spoken language.
Quick answer
What does “reread” mean?
To read something again, often for deeper understanding or clarification.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To read something again, often for deeper understanding or clarification.
Revisiting a text, sometimes with a different purpose, perspective, or after time has passed, to gain new insights or confirm initial understanding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties. Spelling is consistent (reread).
Connotations
No significant connotative differences.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American academic writing, but overall frequency is similar.
Grammar
How to Use “reread” in a Sentence
[Subject] rereads [Object] (e.g., She reread the letter)[Subject] rereads [Object] for [Purpose] (e.g., He reread the manual for clarity)[Subject] is rereading [Object] (progressive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reread” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She will reread the report before the meeting.
- I often reread my favourite novels.
- He's rereading the terms and conditions.
American English
- You should reread the instructions before assembling.
- I reread her email three times.
- They're rereading the first chapter for class.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential before signing contracts or replying to critical emails. 'Please reread clause 4.2 before we proceed.'
Academic
Crucial for deep analysis. 'The students were asked to reread the primary source with a critical lens.'
Everyday
Common for instructions, recipes, or messages. 'I had to reread the recipe to see what I missed.'
Technical
Important for manuals, code, or procedures. 'The engineer reread the safety protocol twice.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reread”
- Confusing past tense/past participle 'reread' /ˌriːˈrɛd/ with present tense pronunciation.
- Misspelling as 're-read' (hyphenated form is dated but still accepted).
- Using it for unintentional re-reading (it implies intent).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the past tense and past participle are also 'reread', but it is pronounced /ˌriːˈrɛd/.
The hyphenated form 're-read' is now considered dated. Modern style guides recommend the closed form 'reread'.
Not necessarily. It can refer to reading the entire text again or just specific sections for clarification.
'Reread' specifically involves reading text again. 'Review' is broader and can involve summarizing, analyzing, or studying material again, which may or may not involve literal re-reading.
To read something again, often for deeper understanding or clarification.
Reread is usually neutral to formal. common in academic, professional, and literary contexts. less frequent in casual spoken language. in register.
Reread: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈriːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈrid/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “reread the tea leaves (to reinterpret signs or omens)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + READ. You READ it RE-again.
Conceptual Metaphor
Revisiting a path (the text) to notice details missed on the first journey.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate synonym for 'reread' in an academic context?