Words with re-

Key Notes:

The Prefix ‘Re-‘
The prefix ‘re-‘ comes from Latin and generally means:
Again
Back
When added to the beginning of a word, it changes the word’s meaning to reflect one of these two ideas.

Examples of ‘Re-‘ Meaning ‘Again’

Rebuild	Rebuild: To build again. Example: After the earthquake, the town needed to rebuild all the damaged houses.
Rewrite	Rewrite: To write again. Example: The author decided to rewrite the ending of his book.
Retell	Retell: To tell again. Example: Please retell the story in your own words.
Review	Review: To look over something again. Example: We will review the material before the test.
Reheat	Reheat: To heat again. Example: I’m going to reheat my leftovers for lunch.
Repaint	Repaint: To paint again. Example: The car needs to be repainted because the original paint is fading.
Restart	Restart: To start again. Example: The computer crashed, so I had to restart it.

Examples of ‘Re-‘ Meaning ‘Back’

Return	Return: To go back. Example: Please return the library book when you are finished.
Recall	Recall: To call back to mind. Example: I can’t recall where I put my keys.
Repay	Repay: To pay back. Example: I need to repay the money I borrowed.
Recede	Recede: To go or move back. Example: The flood waters began to recede.
Reflect	Reflect: To throw or bend back from a surface. Example: The mirror reflects my image.

Important Notes

Sometimes, it can be tricky to immediately tell whether ‘re-‘ means ‘again’ or ‘back.’ Consider the context of the sentence.
Not all words that start with ‘re’ use ‘re-‘ as a prefix. Words like real, red, and rest are simply words that begin with those letters; the ‘re’ is not a prefix.
Be careful to distinguish true ‘re-‘ words from those that just happen to start with those letters.

Practice Time!

Try to think of more words with the prefix ‘re-‘ and define them. Can you use them in a sentence?

Let’s practice!