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Words that start with the prefix re

This list gathers common words built on the re- prefix, which usually adds the idea of doing something again or going back. It's useful for students studying prefixes, writers expanding their vocabulary, and anyone curious about how re- changes a word's meaning.

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Words that start with the prefix re

32 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
rebuildverbTo build something again after it has been damaged, destroyed, or taken apart.The town worked together to rebuild the school after the flood destroyed it.
recallverbTo bring a memory back to mind, or to remember something from the past.She could not recall where she had left her car keys that morning.
rechargeverbTo restore the electrical charge of a battery, or to regain energy after being tired.Please recharge your phone overnight so it has enough battery for tomorrow.
reclaimverbTo get something back after it was lost, taken away, or given up.The team fought hard to reclaim the championship title they had lost last year.
recycleverbTo process used materials so they can be made into new products instead of being thrown away.Our neighborhood requires residents to recycle glass, paper, and plastic separately each week.
redoverbTo do something again, typically to fix, improve, or complete it properly.The teacher asked him to redo the assignment because half the answers were missing.
refillverbTo fill something again after it has become empty or partly used.The waiter refilled our water glasses without us even having to ask.
refreshverbTo make someone feel less tired or thirsty, or to update something so it becomes current again.A short walk outside helped refresh her mind before the long afternoon meeting.
refuelverbTo add more fuel to a vehicle or machine, or to restore someone's energy.The pilots stopped in Iceland to refuel before continuing across the Atlantic.
regainverbTo get back something that was previously lost, such as strength, control, or a title.It took months of therapy for him to regain full use of his leg.
rehearseverbTo practice a performance, speech, or activity in preparation for the real event.The cast rehearsed the final scene repeatedly before opening night.
reheatverbTo heat food again after it has cooled, usually to eat it later.He reheated the leftover pasta in the microwave for a quick dinner.
reinforceverbTo strengthen something by adding extra support, material, or evidence.Steel bars were used to reinforce the concrete before it was poured.
reinventverbTo change something so completely that it seems entirely new or different.The singer reinvented her image with a bold new sound and style.
rejoinverbTo join a group, team, or organization again after having left it.After recovering from injury, the player rejoined the team for the final matches.
reliveverbTo experience a past event again in the imagination or memory.Looking through old photos let her relive her college years for an evening.
relocateverbTo move to a new place to live or work.The company decided to relocate its headquarters to a smaller city.
remakeverbTo make a new version of something that already exists, especially a film.The studio decided to remake the classic film with a modern cast.
remindverbTo cause someone to remember something or to tell someone about a fact or duty they might forget.Please remind me to call the dentist before the office closes this afternoon.
renewverbTo extend the period of validity of something, or to begin something again with fresh energy.She needs to renew her passport before the trip next spring.
reopenverbTo open something again after it has been closed for a period of time.The restaurant plans to reopen next month after months of renovation.
repaintverbTo cover a surface with a new layer of paint, often to replace an old color.They repainted the fence white after years of fading in the sun.
replaceverbTo put something new or different in the place of something else, especially something broken, old, or lost.We need to replace the batteries in the smoke detector.
replayverbTo play a recording, game, or event again, often to review or enjoy it.The referee asked to replay the footage to confirm whether the goal counted.
rescueverbTo save someone or something from a dangerous, harmful, or otherwise difficult situation.Firefighters rescued the family from the top floor moments before the roof collapsed.
resetverbTo set something back to its original, standard, or previous state or position.You may need to reset the router if the internet connection stops working.
restartverbTo start something again after it has stopped, paused, or failed.She had to restart her computer after the software update finished installing.
restoreverbTo bring something back to its former condition, position, or state.The museum spent two years restoring the damaged medieval tapestry.
retrieveverbTo get something back, especially from a place where it was left or lost.The dog ran into the lake to retrieve the tennis ball.
returnverbTo come or go back to a previous place, condition, or activity.They plan to return home after spending three weeks traveling abroad.
reuseverbTo use something again, either for its original purpose or a new one.We wash and reuse glass jars instead of throwing them away.
rewriteverbTo write something again in a different or improved form.The editor asked the author to rewrite the opening chapter completely.

What does the prefix re- mean?

The prefix re- comes from Latin and most often signals repetition or a backward motion, as in redo or return. Context decides which sense applies: rebuild suggests making something again, while recall suggests bringing something back to mind. Reading a re- word in a sentence, rather than in isolation, is the fastest way to tell which meaning is at work.

Frequently asked questions

What does the prefix re- mean?

It typically means 'again' or 'back,' as in rewrite (write again) or return (go back).