retest: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “retest” mean?
To test again.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To test again; the act of testing something again.
The re-evaluation or re-assessment of a person, thing, or procedure to verify initial results, measure progress, or confirm a change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb is identical in usage. For the noun, BrE might use 're-test' with a hyphen slightly more often than AmE, but the solid form 'retest' is standard in both.
Connotations
Neutral procedural term in both varieties. Slight potential in AmE for a more clinical/test-centric connotation (e.g., medical retest).
Frequency
Equally common in formal/academic/technical contexts in both varieties. Marginally more frequent in AmE in certain technical fields (e.g., software, medical diagnostics).
Grammar
How to Use “retest” in a Sentence
[VN] (retest something)[V] (The sample will retest positive.)[VNN] (retest the students the material)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “retest” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lab will retest the samples to confirm the anomaly.
- Students who score below 70% may retest next Friday.
American English
- The manufacturer had to retest all units after the recall.
- You can retest the circuit once the replacement part is installed.
adverb
British English
- None. 'Retest' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- None. 'Retest' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The retest policy is outlined in the handbook.
- She awaited her retest results anxiously.
American English
- A retest fee may apply for certain certifications.
- The retest phase of the project begins Monday.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Quality assurance: 'We must retest the batch after the calibration error.'
Academic
Research methodology: 'The hypothesis was retested using a larger sample size.'
Everyday
Driving: 'He failed his eye test and booked a retest for next week.'
Technical
Software development: 'After fixing the bug, the team will retest the entire module.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “retest”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “retest”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retest”
- Incorrect hyphenation: 're test' (space) or 're-test' (less common solid form). Mispronunciation: /ˈriːtɛst/ (stressing 'Re') instead of /riˈtɛst/ (stressing 'test'). Confusing with 'contest'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The solid form 'retest' is standard for both noun and verb in modern English, though the hyphenated form 're-test' is occasionally seen, especially in British English.
'Retake' is broader and often used for exams, courses, or photographs. 'Retest' is more specific to scientific, medical, or procedural assessments to verify results.
Yes, commonly in compounds like 'retest period', 'retest fee', or 'retest results', functioning as a noun modifier.
No. While common after failure, retesting also occurs to confirm unusual results, measure progress over time, or comply with periodic review protocols.
To test again.
Retest is usually formal/technical in register.
Retest: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈtɛst/, and in American English it is pronounced /riˈtɛst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Related: 'teach to the test' (can lead to frequent retesting).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE-TEST: Think 'REdo the TEST'. It's simply doing the check or exam over again.
Conceptual Metaphor
VALIDATION AS REPETITION (Confirming truth by repeating the act of measurement.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'retest' LEAST likely to be used?