reunion
B1neutral
Definition
Meaning
A gathering of people who have been separated, typically after a long period of time.
The act of being brought together again; can refer to a social event, the reunification of a country or organization, or the state of reconciliation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. Also used in names of organizations or events (e.g., 'The 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment Reunion').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Reunion' is the standard spelling in both. The event is equally common in both cultures.
Connotations
Connotes warmth, nostalgia, and reconnection in both varieties.
Frequency
Common in both varieties with no significant frequency difference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
reunion of [people/organization]reunion with [someone]reunion between [A] and [B]reunion after [period/event]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a tearful reunion”
- “a homecoming/reunion of hearts”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the merger or coming together again of previously separated companies or departments.
Academic
Used in historical/political contexts for the reunification of territories (e.g., German reunification).
Everyday
Overwhelmingly used for social gatherings of family, friends, or former classmates.
Technical
In computer science/data management, can refer to the process of merging datasets.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No standard verb form. Use 'reunite'.
- The band will reunite for a one-off concert.
American English
- No standard verb form. Use 'reunite'.
- The siblings hope to reunite after ten years.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form.
American English
- No adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'reunion' attributively (e.g., reunion dinner).
- She wore her old reunion jumper.
American English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'reunion' attributively (e.g., reunion tour).
- The band announced a reunion concert.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We have a big family reunion every summer.
- I saw my old friend at the school reunion.
- The college reunion was a chance to see my former classmates.
- Their emotional reunion was filmed at the airport.
- After years of estrangement, the reunion between the brothers was surprisingly warm.
- The company's annual reunion brings together employees from all over the globe.
- The documentary explored the poignant reunions of adopted children with their birth parents.
- The political reunification of the region was fraught with logistical and ideological challenges.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE- (again) + UNION (coming together) = coming together AGAIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
REUNION IS A RETURN TO A WHOLE (e.g., 'The family was complete once more at the reunion').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'reünion' (not a word).
- Direct translation 'воссоединение' is formal/political; for social events, use 'встреча выпускников' (class reunion) or 'встреча родных' (family reunion).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 're-union' (hyphen is archaic).
- Incorrect plural: 'reunions' (correct), not 'reunion' for multiple events.
- Using as a verb (to *reunion someone is wrong; use 'reunite').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'reunion' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'reunion' is exclusively a noun. The verb form is 'reunite' (e.g., They will reunite next year).
A 'reunion' specifically implies that the people involved have been together before but were separated. A 'meeting' can be for people who have never met or who meet regularly.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically or in formal contexts (e.g., 'the reunion of the artwork with its original frame', 'the reunification of Korea').
Not exactly. A 'family reunion' typically implies a larger, often less frequent, gathering of extended family who may live far apart. A 'family gathering' is a more general term for any meeting of family members.
Collections
Part of a collection
Relationships
B1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for interpersonal and social connections.
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