retake
B2Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To take something again, especially an exam, a test, or control of a place.
The action of taking something again; a second or subsequent take in film/photography; to recapture or regain possession.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, primarily transitive. Often implies a previous attempt that was unsuccessful or unsatisfactory. In film/photography, it's a standard technical term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though 'resit' is a more common British alternative for exams. 'Retake' as a noun for an exam is less common in UK English.
Connotations
In both varieties, can carry a connotation of failure/remediation, but this is context-dependent. In military/media contexts, it's neutral.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English for academic contexts; UK English may prefer 'resit' for exams.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] retake [NP][NP] retake [NP] from [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Retake the crown”
- “Retake the high ground”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Regaining market share or control: 'The company aims to retake its leading position.'
Academic
Taking an exam or class again after an initial fail/poor grade.
Everyday
Redoing a photo or test; getting back something lost.
Technical
In film/TV: a repeated shot; in military: recapturing territory.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The director called for a retake.
- The retake of the fortress was costly.
American English
- We nailed it on the third retake.
- A campaign retake is scheduled for November.
verb
British English
- You can retake the module in September.
- The army fought to retake the hill.
- We had to retake that scene five times.
American English
- She needs to retake the driving test.
- The team retook the lead in the final quarter.
- Let's retake the group photo.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I must retake the photo.
- Can I retake the test?
- If you fail, you can retake the exam next month.
- The director was unhappy and ordered a retake.
- The company hopes to retake its market share with the new product.
- After the ceasefire broke, forces moved to retake the border towns.
- The film's pivotal scene required seventeen retakes before the director was satisfied.
- His strategy to retake the political narrative involved a series of carefully staged interviews.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE-TAKE: Think 'TAKE again' - you REdo the TAKE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECOND CHANCE IS A RETAKEN OBJECT (e.g., retaking an exam is grasping a second opportunity).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'перевзять' – it's incorrect.
- For exams, use 'пересдать' (to resit), not 'взять снова'.
- For photos/film, use 'переснять'.
Common Mistakes
- *I will retake again the test. (redundant 'again')
- Using 'retake' without an object where needed: *'I need to retake.' (retake *what*?)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'retake' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's used for exams, tests, photos, film scenes, and regaining control of places or positions.
'Resit' is almost exclusively for exams/tests (common in UK English). 'Retake' is broader and used in both UK and US English.
Yes, especially in film ('we need a retake') or for an exam ('a retake is offered in June').
Not always. In film/photography, it's a normal part of the process. In military contexts, it implies loss and recovery.