retell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1 (Intermediate)Neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts, with more frequent use in academic/literary contexts than everyday speech.
Quick answer
What does “retell” mean?
To tell a story, account, or piece of information again, often in a different way or to a different audience.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To tell a story, account, or piece of information again, often in a different way or to a different audience.
To recount or narrate something that has been told before; to adapt a narrative for a new context or medium; to repeat information with modifications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. 'Retell' is slightly more common in American publishing/media discourse about adaptations.
Connotations
Neutral in both. In literary contexts, can imply a creative reinterpretation.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both varieties, with a spike in educational and literary analysis contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “retell” in a Sentence
[S] retell [O][S] retell [O] to [IO][S] retell [O] [as] [C] (e.g., retell it as a modern drama)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “retell” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The playwright sought to retell the Scottish play without its supernatural elements.
- Could you retell the salient points of the meeting for those who arrived late?
- Each generation retells the ancient legends in its own image.
American English
- The director wanted to retell the cowboy myth for a contemporary audience.
- The witness was asked to retell her version of events to the new detective.
- The podcast retells forgotten stories from early aviation history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The CEO retold the company's origin story to inspire the new interns.'
Academic
Common in literary/media studies. 'The essay examines how the novelist retells the classical myth from a feminist perspective.'
Everyday
Moderate. 'Grandad retold his wartime stories every Christmas.'
Technical
Rare, except in specific fields like folklore studies or adaptation theory.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retell”
- Using 'retell' for simple repetition of non-narrative information (e.g., 'He retold me the price' - INCORRECT).
- Confusing with 'recount' (which can also mean 'count again' but is the closest synonym).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Retell' specifically involves narrating a story or account again, often with changes. 'Repeat' is general repetition of words or actions. 'Recount' is very close to 'retell' but can also mean 'to count again' and is sometimes more formal.
It's possible but less common ('The anchor retold the day's events'). 'Recap', 'summarize', or 'report' are often more natural for news. 'Retell' fits better with structured narratives.
The direct noun is 'retelling' (e.g., 'a modern retelling of Cinderella'). It's commonly used.
Not always, but it often does. The core meaning is to tell again, which naturally allows for adaptation, summarization, or a shift in emphasis. Simple, verbatim repetition is better described as 'repeat' or 'recite'.
To tell a story, account, or piece of information again, often in a different way or to a different audience.
Retell is usually neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts, with more frequent use in academic/literary contexts than everyday speech. in register.
Retell: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈtel/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈtel/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Old wine in new bottles (conceptual, not direct)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE + TELL. You TELL it again (RE). Think of a teacher asking a student to 're-tell' the story in their own words.
Conceptual Metaphor
STORYTELLING IS WEAVING/CRAFTING (to retell is to re-weave a narrative fabric).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'retell' LEAST appropriate?