resurface: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal. Common in journalism, academic writing, and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “resurface” mean?
To appear again on the surface after being submerged, hidden, or forgotten.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To appear again on the surface after being submerged, hidden, or forgotten.
To come back into notice, prominence, or existence; also, to put a new surface on something (e.g., a road).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb is used identically in both varieties. The noun 'resurfacing' for road works is common in both. No significant differences in form or primary meaning.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties. Neutral regarding physical action; can carry mild suspense or surprise in the figurative sense (e.g., 'old fears resurfaced').
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties. The literal sense (road resurfacing) might have slightly higher frequency in public notices in the UK due to different reporting conventions.
Grammar
How to Use “resurface” in a Sentence
[Subject] resurface (intransitive)[Subject] resurface [Object] (transitive, literal sense)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “resurface” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The diver took a long time to resurface.
- The council will resurface the car park in the autumn.
- Concerns about data privacy have resurfaced.
American English
- The submarine had to resurface for communications.
- The city is resurfacing the highway next week.
- His childhood fears resurfaced during therapy.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. Use 'again' or 'anew' with related verbs.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form. Use 'again' or 'anew' with related verbs.]
adjective
British English
- The resurface work caused major traffic delays.
- A newly resurfaced tennis court.
American English
- The resurface project is over budget.
- A smoothly resurfaced basketball court.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to problems or opportunities re-emerging. 'The liquidity crisis could resurface next quarter.'
Academic
Used for the re-emergence of theories, debates, or historical patterns. 'These philosophical questions resurface in postmodern critique.'
Everyday
Common for emotions, people, or old items reappearing. 'My worry about the interview resurfaced this morning.'
Technical
Primarily for road maintenance or construction. 'The council plans to resurface the High Street next month.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “resurface”
- Incorrect: 'The problem was resurfaced again.' (Redundant 'again'). Correct: 'The problem resurfaced.' | Incorrect use of transitive pattern for figurative sense: 'She resurfaced the old memories.' (Usually intransitive in figurative sense).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral; suitable for both everyday and formal contexts. The figurative sense is common in news and academic writing.
Yes, especially when someone reappears after a period of absence or hiding. E.g., 'He resurfaced in Argentina five years later.'
They are often synonyms in the figurative sense. 'Resurface' strongly implies emerging from being hidden/submerged (like from water or obscurity), while 'reappear' is more general.
No, it can be transitive when referring to applying a new surface to something (e.g., 'resurface a road'). In its figurative meaning, it is almost always intransitive.
To appear again on the surface after being submerged, hidden, or forgotten.
Resurface: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈsɜː.fɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈsɝː.fɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no specific idioms; used within figurative phrases]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a submarine REaching the SURFACE again = RE + SURFACE. It resurfaces.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS/IDEAS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN FLOAT AND SINK. ('Old arguments keep resurfacing.')
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'resurface' used in its LITERAL, physical sense?